The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, has strongly defended the nation’s recently enacted legislation that increases penalties for same-sex relationships, declaring it off-limits to external interference.
During a heated session in the National Assembly, Sonko condemned what he described as “Western tyranny”, accusing foreign powers of attempting to “impose homosexuality as a global standard” against the cultural and religious values of African societies.
No room for compromise on national sovereignty
Rejecting calls for a moratorium on the enforcement of the new law, Sonko emphasized that Senegal’s legal framework remains sovereign and non-negotiable. He framed the issue not as a matter of human rights, but as a defense of national identity and religious principles deeply rooted in Senegalese society.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid growing international scrutiny over the controversial legislation, which has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and Western governments. However, Sonko made it clear that Senegal will not yield to external pressure, asserting that the law reflects the will of the Senegalese people.
