Charges against individuals in Senegal

In Senegal, 32 people have been referred to court for a range of charges, including "acts against nature," "intentional transmission of HIV," and "sexual harassment." The charges were announced by the prosecutor in the Louga region on October 30, with a trial scheduled for November 12, according to local media Seneweb.

Previous arrests and legal developments

This follows the arrest of 71 men in August who were referred to a court in Dakar for similar charges. In that case, the court dropped the "intentional transmission of HIV" charges due to insufficient evidence but kept the "acts against nature" charges.

Repression of homosexuality intensifies

Since the start of the year, hundreds of people have been arrested in Senegal, where the government has increased repression of homosexuality. This comes after a new law adopted in March that doubled the penalties for homosexual relationships.

Olympic Games in Dakar

The charges were announced the day before the opening of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, the first Olympic event on the African continent. The event will host around 2,700 young athletes competing in 25 disciplines over two weeks.

President’s response and international participation

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye celebrated the hosting of the event, promoting Senegal’s "hospitality" on X and expressing satisfaction after the opening ceremony. French actor Omar Sy participated in the Olympic torch relay in the capital.

Human Rights Watch calls for action

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged Senegalese authorities to stop the persecution of individuals, noting that the Olympic Charter prohibits discrimination and requires host countries to uphold human rights. In a report published on October 12, HRW criticized forced HIV testing, obstacles to the right to defense, and the impact of repression on access to care.

Advocacy for accountability

Jean-Luc Romero-Michel, president of Élus locaux contre le sida, called on X for the Olympic celebration not to serve as a cover for impunity. He emphasized that the Olympic spirit and human dignity are not negotiable.