Senegal is experiencing an escalating crackdown against LGBTQ+ people, with over 320 individuals arrested and detained since February on allegations of "acts against nature," according to a new Human Rights Watch (HRW) report.

The intensified crackdown follows a significant toughening of the law criminalising homosexuality earlier this year. On March 11, Senegal's parliament amended the penal code, doubling the maximum prison term for consensual same-sex relations to 10 years. The new legislation also introduced penalties of up to seven years in prison and substantial fines for promoting, supporting, or financing LGBTQ+ people and organizations.

Among those detained, at least 84 individuals have been charged with "voluntary HIV transmission" based solely on their HIV status, a practice that has drawn significant concern. Human Rights Watch researcher Larissa Kojoué stated that LGBTQ+ people are being forced to restrict their activities due to fear of arrest and heightened stigma, urging the Senegalese government to cease the crackdown.

The implications of these arrests are far-reaching, fostering an environment of fear and forcing many LGBTQ+ individuals into hiding. The trend suggests a concerning rise in state-sanctioned discrimination and persecution, potentially impacting public health efforts related to HIV and broader human rights protections.

Same-sex sexual activity has been criminalised in Senegal since 1965, but anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and actions have noticeably increased in recent years. During the 2024 presidential campaign, current President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former prime minister Ousmane Sonko both pledged to strengthen laws against same-sex relations, positioning it as a national priority.

Arrests have occurred across the country, targeting both men and women. Authorities report that detentions have been made based on information obtained from seized mobile phones, allegations from third parties, and raids on private residences. This reliance on digital evidence and informal accusations raises concerns about due process and privacy.

Legal representatives have expressed apprehension about taking on cases involving detained LGBTQ+ individuals, creating significant barriers to legal representation. This situation exacerbates the vulnerability of those arrested and charged, potentially leading to prolonged detentions and unfair trials.

The crackdown raises critical questions about the rule of law, human rights standards, and the protection of minority groups in Senegal. The international community and human rights organizations are closely monitoring the situation, calling for adherence to international human rights obligations and an end to discriminatory practices.