Protesters marched in Dakar on May 23, 2025, calling on the Senegalese government to pass a law stiffening penalties against homosexuality in the country. SEYLLOU / AFP
"There is an atmosphere of fear, even terror," described an activist from Free Sénégal, a group advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ people, describing the current climate in the country. The activist, who insisted on remaining anonymous, said it was impossible to speak openly on the topic. The latest sign of this upsurge in widespread homophobia was the arrest, between February 4 and 6, of 12 people accused of "acts against nature," a term used to refer to same-sex sexual relations.
Questioned by the Keur Massar investigations unit in the suburbs of Dakar, the 12 men were brought before a prosecutor on February 9. Since then, they have been held in Rebeuss prison in the capital. Among them are two public figures: Pape Cheikh Diallo, a radio and TV host best known for his show "Face à Pape Cheikh," where he interviews celebrities and is followed by tens of thousands online, and Djiby Dramé, a fusion singer performing in Wolof and Soninke, inspired by Senegalese mbalax and traditional Manding music.
The defendants face between one and five years in prison and a fine of 100,000 to 1,500,000 CFA francs (€150 to €2,200), under Article 319.3 of the penal code.
