By Ebuka Onyekwelu, Ph.D
The National Assembly of Senegal has given its nod to the ongoing crackdown on same-sex relationships in the West African country, with a law that approves imprisonment for a maximum of 10 years. With this new law, punishment for offenders includes a fine ranging from two to ten million CFA, as against the previous fine of one hundred thousand to one million, five hundred thousand CFA. This action has further toughened the country’s onslaught against the gay lifestyle. The law also imposed criminal liability on those found guilty of funding or promoting same-sex relationships in the country, prescribing three to seven years for anyone found guilty under this category.
Senegal’s Parliament passed the tougher punishment for the gay community in the country by an overwhelming majority, with no dissent, and the bill is now expected to be signed into law by the country’s president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
In recent times, the police have arrested more than a dozen offenders through accusations and a search of the accused’s phones. However, the law also frowns on anyone who raises a false accusation against someone.
About two years ago, the Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, promised tougher action against the country’s gay community if elected. The new law was presented to the Parliament by the Prime Minister.
Generally, African countries are very tough on same-sex relationships. In many African countries, such as Nigeria, same-sex relationships attract at least fourteen years’ imprisonment. Supporting or promoting gay rights in Nigeria attracts at least ten years in jail. In Sierra Leone, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, and Sudan, being gay is a criminal offense, and offenders face at least ten years imprisonment upon conviction. No fewer than thirty-two African countries have laws incriminating gay practice and gay rights’ advocacy.
