Matam Ndiaga Seck, a close ally of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, detained in Senegal
A 51-year-old political figure widely described as a close associate of Senegal‘s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has been taken into custody by the Criminal Investigations Division on suspicion of involvement in alleged acts against nature.
Investigation launched following regional police alert
The arrest follows a warrant issued by police in Linguère, a town in the Louga region of northern Senegal. Investigators claim to have gathered corroborating evidence linking Seck to a case that has already led to the detention of at least twenty individuals in the Djoloff area.
Legal context and penalties under Senegalese law
Local authorities have yet to disclose specific charges or provide an update on the judicial process. According to the Senegalese Penal Code, particularly Article 319, acts against nature refer to same-sex relations, which are criminalized in the country.
In a significant legal shift, Senegal passed a stricter anti-homosexuality law on March 31, 2026, introducing harsher penalties—including up to ten years imprisonment—and expanding the scope of offenses to include promoting same-sex relationships.
Rising enforcement and international concern
Since the enforcement of these stricter measures, reports indicate over a hundred arrests across Senegal. Earlier this year, a French national was detained under comparable circumstances on February 14, with ongoing legal support coordinated by human rights advocates.
Support initiatives for affected individuals
Activist groups have stepped up efforts to assist victims of persecution and violence in Senegal. Emergency response teams have already fielded more than 3,000 requests for assistance, highlighting the growing need for intervention in these cases.
