Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has firmly rejected calls for a moratorium on enforcing laws against homosexuality, vowing to end what he describes as the ‘proliferation’ of same-sex relationships. He emphasized that justice would be pursued ‘to the fullest extent,’ cautioning that no individual, regardless of status, would escape accountability. Several figures close to the Prime Minister have already been arrested on allegations of homosexuality.

Sonko’s stance comes amid a surge in arrests over the past three months, with over a hundred individuals accused of ‘unnatural acts,’ some also facing charges of intentional HIV transmission. The crackdown follows a public appeal by African intellectuals, who published an open letter last Sunday urging the government to suspend enforcement of the controversial law.

‘We will not accept lectures on morality’

‘We will not accept lectures on morality from any quarter,’ Sonko declared, accusing Western nations of attempting to impose their values through ‘media manipulation’ and what he termed a ‘tyranny of the West.’ His remarks reflect growing tensions between Senegal’s religious and cultural values and external pressures.

The Prime Minister also addressed Senegal’s mounting public debt, which now stands at 119% of GDP. While acknowledging the country’s economic challenges, Sonko defended his administration’s recovery plan, highlighting improved tax collection as a key financial driver.

Finance Minister Cheikh Diba sought to ease concerns, stating that debt management was ‘under active review.’ He confirmed that negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would resume the week of June 8, with a framework agreement expected by June 30. Talks were stalled since October 2025 due to disagreements over whether Senegal’s debt required restructuring.