As Senegal prepares to host the Youth Olympic Games from October 31 to November 13, 2026, the country’s intensified crackdown on the LGBT community is drawing international scrutiny. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed concern over mass arrests and forced HIV testing, highlighting how these actions infringe on basic human rights and exacerbate fear and stigma among LGBT individuals. HRW’s researcher Larrissa Kojoué emphasized that the local LGBT population is being forced into hiding, unable to exercise their rights for fear of arrest and rising discrimination.
Earlier this year, Senegal’s Parliament amended Article 319 of the Penal Code, significantly heightening penalties for consensual same-sex conduct. The amendment not only doubled prison terms up to 10 years but also criminalized any promotion or support of LGBT individuals and organizations. The modification also raised maximum fines to 10 million CFA francs ($18,000). The International Federation for Human Rights criticized this legal shift, pointing out how its vague terms might criminalize legitimate human rights efforts.
An alarming aspect of the crackdown involves allegations of “acts against nature” used to justify over 355 arrests, including at least 97 cases linked to “voluntary HIV transmission,” charges brought solely on individuals’ HIV status. The detainees’ compulsory HIV testing raises serious questions about privacy violations and health risks. The HIV Justice Network has documented these cases, highlighting global concerns about privacy and human dignity.
This enforcement pattern is not without precedent. HRW’s 2010 report reminds us of a December 2008 incident where police arrested nine men attending an HIV prevention training. These men allegedly endured torture, and their coerced confessions were later used against them in court. Such instances of abuse underscore the gravity of current human rights violations in Senegal.
Senegal’s punitive measures now align with other African nations like Kenya, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania, which enforce harsh penalties for same-sex relationships. Some nations, including Uganda and Mauritania, impose even stricter punishments, with Ugandan law controversially endorsing the death penalty for certain offenses. This wave of conservative legislation diverges from prior progressive rulings by courts in Botswana, Kenya, and Zambia that recognized the fundamental rights of the LGBT community.
Amidst these legal and human rights controversies, concerns about Senegal’s suitability as the Youth Olympic Games host city loom larger. The Olympic Charter insists on the respect for human dignity and non-discrimination. Doubts about Senegal adhering to these principles call into question its readiness to successfully and inclusively host such a significant international event.
More details on the HRW’s stance are available through JURIST.