DAKAR — Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has introduced legislation that would sharply increase prison sentences for same-sex relations, doubling the current maximum penalty from five years to up to ten years. The announcement was made on February 24, 2026, amid a wave of arrests and growing hostility toward LGBTQ+ communities in the West African nation.

“Senegal’s prime minister Tuesday unveiled legislation that would double the maximum penalty for same-sex relations, making them punishable by up to 10 years in prison,” France 24 reported, noting that the move has already drawn condemnation from human rights groups.

Under existing law, consensual same-sex conduct is punishable by up to five years in prison. The proposed bill, presented to the National Assembly, redefines such acts as “against nature” and seeks to impose harsher penalties ranging from five to ten years.

Sonko’s proposal comes at a time when Senegal has witnessed intensified crackdowns on LGBTQ+ individuals, with activists warning of rising homophobia and arbitrary arrests. International organizations, including Amnesty International, have criticized the legislation, calling it a violation of fundamental human rights and urging Senegal to uphold its obligations under international law.

Despite the backlash, Sonko defended the bill as reflective of Senegalese cultural and religious values. The prime minister’s stance has been supported by conservative groups within the country, who argue that the legislation protects traditional norms.

The debate over the bill highlights the growing tension between Senegal’s domestic policies and international human rights standards. If passed, the law would place Senegal among the countries with the harshest penalties for same-sex relations in Africa, further isolating LGBTQ+ communities and raising concerns about their safety and freedom.

Human rights advocates have vowed to continue campaigning against the measure, warning that it could legitimize discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. The National Assembly is expected to deliberate on the bill in the coming weeks, with its passage likely to intensify global scrutiny of Senegal’s human rights record.