Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko made this statement during a parliamentary session on May 22, 2026, responding to questions from national deputies.

The Senegalese government’s decision to toughen penalties for same-sex acts has drawn criticism from Western nations. Sonko reaffirmed Senegal’s sovereignty, stating that the country’s laws reflect the values of its people.

“The Senegalese people are sovereign. The vast majority reject these practices within our borders,” Sonko emphasized.

Rejecting Western pressure

Facing backlash from some African advocates, including lawyer Alice Nkom, Sonko defended the newly passed legislation, vowing to apply it without concessions.

“There’s a form of tyranny at play. With eight billion people on Earth, a small Western elite—despite internal divisions—uses its economic and media influence to impose its views globally. On what authority?” Sonko questioned.

He dismissed calls for a moratorium, declaring, “This law will be enforced.”

The National Assembly adopted Law No. 2026-08 on March 27, 2026, amending Article 319 of the 1965 Penal Code to strengthen sanctions against “unnatural acts.”

Expanded legal definitions and penalties

The revised law broadens the definition of unnatural acts, increases penalties, and criminalizes advocacy or financing of such acts.

According to the text, “An unnatural act includes any sexual act between individuals of the same sex.” It also covers sexual acts involving a corpse or an animal.

Perpetrators face five to ten years imprisonment and fines from 2 million to 10 million West African CFA francs, with additional penalties for rape or pedophilia.