Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko delivered a forceful address to the National Assembly on Friday, defending a newly amended law that imposes stricter penalties for acts deemed against nature. During the parliamentary session dedicated to government questions, the Prime Minister presented a stance that he described as “clear and uncompromising”, emphasizing the state’s commitment to curbing what he termed the “alarming spread” of such behaviors.

Addressing lawmakers, Sonko was unequivocal: the legislation, once enacted, is not targeted at any specific group. “A law, by definition, is impersonal. No attempt was made to single out individuals or groups”, he asserted before the assembled deputies. He underscored that the bill was crafted to protect societal values rather than to persecute.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the backing of prominent religious leaders, noting that several clerics had reached out to the government to “express their support” for the legislative initiative. This alignment between state policy and religious institutions, he argued, reinforces the legitimacy of the measure.

In a speech laced with urgency, Sonko warned of alleged networks operating in Senegal that allegedly groom young students with financial incentives, including money and phones. Without state intervention, he cautioned, society risked normalizing behaviors that contradict the nation’s core values. He stressed that the absence of decisive action would have allowed such practices to take root unchecked.

Sonko made it clear that the law would be enforced with zero tolerance. He called on the judiciary to apply the provisions rigorously, stating: “Justice must ensure the full, complete, and impartial application of this law”. He warned that no exceptions would be made, declaring: “We will not shield the powerful. No one is above the law”.

Dismissing claims of external interference, Sonko asserted Senegal’s sovereignty in addressing social issues. Referencing Western nations, he declared: “We take no lessons from anyone”. He maintained that Senegalese society, as a whole, rejects the behaviors targeted by the law, affirming that the nation’s moral compass remains firmly intact.

The Prime Minister also criticized what he described as attempts by certain Western elites to impose foreign cultural and social models on African nations. He singled out segments of Senegal’s own elite, accusing them of harboring “inferiority complexes” in their dealings with Western perspectives. For him, the law is a reaffirmation of Senegal’s right to self-determination.

Concluding his address, Sonko ruled out any possibility of suspending or softening the law. “There will be no moratorium on morality”, he declared, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to implementing the legislation in full. The message was unambiguous: Senegal’s stance on this issue is final and non-negotiable.