A 51-year-old Senegalese political figure, identified by local sources as a close associate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has been detained by the Criminal Investigations Division (DIC) amid allegations of unnatural acts.
The arrest follows a warrant issued by police in Linguère, Louga region (northern Senegal), after investigators uncovered what they describe as consistent evidence in connection with the detention of at least 20 individuals across the Djoloff area. Authorities have yet to disclose specifics about the charges or the current legal status of the case.
Legal experts note that the term unnatural acts corresponds to Article 319 of Senegal’s Penal Code, which criminalizes same-sex relations. The legislation has recently undergone significant tightening, with a 2026 amendment imposing stricter penalties—including up to a decade behind bars—and expanding offenses to include the promotion of same-sex relationships.
Since the law’s enforcement, reports indicate over a hundred detentions nationwide. Notably, a French national has been held in Senegal since February 14 on similar grounds. Advocacy groups are actively supporting those affected, with one organization reporting more than 3,000 urgent requests for assistance through its international hotline.
