In Senegal, recent media and judicial attention has been drawn to a case involving allegations of homosexuality and voluntary transmission of HIV. Twelve men were arrested by the gendarmerie for several offenses, including ‘acts against nature,’ which is a criminal offense in the country. The suspects include two well-known personalities, raising the profile of the case significantly.

The Senegalese gendarmerie announced that the men are facing serious charges: ‘association of criminals,’ ‘acts against nature,’ ‘endangerment of life,’ and ‘deliberate HIV transmission.’ The presence of public figures, like media personality Pape Cheikh Diallo and singer Djibril Dramé, among the accused has sparked extensive discussions and debates in the media and society. This incident highlights the ongoing persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals in Senegal and reflects broader issues of human rights within the region.

Authorities have stated that some of the arrested men are HIV positive, leading investigators to delve deeper into potential networks of transmission. The case has placed a spotlight on the harsh legal environment surrounding homosexuality in Senegal, where social stigma and legal consequences often lead to severe discrimination and violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation. The implications of this arrest could lead to further crackdowns and societal backlash against the LGBTQ+ community in the country, raising concerns among human rights advocates.