Senegal’s intensified crackdown on LGBTQ+ people has forced many members of the community into hiding, with hundreds arrested and growing concerns that fear of prosecution is preventing people from accessing essential healthcare services, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW).
More than 320 people have been arrested and detained since February on allegations of engaging in same-sex relations, according to figures from the HIV Justice Network cited in the report. At least 84 individuals have also faced charges related to the alleged intentional transmission of HIV, reportedly based solely on their HIV status.
The arrests have intensified following changes to Senegal’s penal code in March this year, when parliament strengthened the country’s existing laws criminalising consensual same-sex relations. The maximum prison sentence for such acts was increased to 10 years, while the law introduced penalties of up to seven years in prison and substantial fines for promoting homosexuality or supporting and financing LGBTQ+ individuals and organisations.
The latest developments have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among LGBTQ+ people, many of whom are reportedly limiting their daily activities, avoiding public spaces or leaving the country to escape potential persecution.
Police have reportedly made arrests using information obtained from seized mobile phones, allegations by third parties and raids on private premises. The crackdown has also raised concerns about privacy, confidentiality and the possibility of personal information being exposed publicly, further increasing the risk of discrimination and violence.
Human Rights Watch has called on the Senegalese government to end the crackdown, warning that the measures threaten fundamental rights and are contributing to greater social stigma against an already vulnerable community.
The consequences are also being felt in the healthcare sector, particularly in efforts to prevent and treat HIV. Medical professionals have expressed concern that people who fear arrest or exposure may avoid getting tested, seeking treatment or attending routine medical appointments.
According to healthcare experts cited in reports on the situation, HIV clinics have received anecdotal indications of declining attendance. Such a trend could undermine years of progress in tackling the virus, as timely diagnosis and consistent treatment remain essential to controlling its spread.
The situation is particularly concerning for sub-Saharan Africa, which continues to account for a disproportionate share of the global population living with HIV. Although new infections declined significantly across western and central Africa between 2010 and 2022, public health experts warn that criminalising vulnerable communities can make prevention and treatment programmes less effective.
The legal changes have also reportedly created difficulties for lawyers willing to represent people accused under the anti-LGBTQ+ provisions. Some legal professionals have expressed fears that taking up such cases could expose them to prosecution themselves, potentially restricting access to legal representation for those detained.
Homosexuality has been criminalised in Senegal since 1965, but the issue has become increasingly prominent in the country’s political debate in recent years. During the 2024 presidential election campaign, political leaders pledged to strengthen laws against same-sex relations, placing the issue at the centre of broader discussions about national values and public policy.
The latest developments have drawn renewed attention to the balance between national legislation, individual freedoms and public health priorities. Human rights advocates argue that people should be able to access healthcare and legal assistance without fear of discrimination or prosecution.
The crackdown in Senegal also reflects a wider trend across parts of Africa, where governments have introduced or considered tougher restrictions on LGBTQ+ people. Rights organisations warn that such measures can drive vulnerable communities underground, discourage cooperation with healthcare providers and weaken efforts to address HIV.
As arrests continue to raise alarm, concerns are mounting that the consequences could extend beyond the LGBTQ+ community, affecting public health programmes and access to justice more broadly.
