On May 22, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko delivered a forceful defense of his government’s policies during a heated parliamentary session, marking his fifth round of responses to lawmakers since taking office.

Addressing concerns over the recently enacted legislation that increases prison sentences for same-sex relationships, Sonko dismissed calls for a delay or repeal of the law. More than a hundred individuals have been detained in just three months, and a wave of criticism from African intellectuals emerged on May 18, urging a reconsideration of the measure.

The Prime Minister framed the law as a necessary measure to curb what he described as the spread of homosexuality in the country. He called for the justice system to enforce the legislation with unwavering consistency, stressing that no individual—regardless of status—would be spared from prosecution. His remarks came shortly after several high-profile arrests of associates connected to his political circle.

Sonko pushed back forcefully against international condemnation, particularly from Western nations. In a pointed critique aimed at Paris, he accused foreign governments of hypocrisy, declaring, « We have heard much posturing from abroad, especially in France. »

The Prime Minister went further, accusing Western powers of attempting to impose their values through media control, framing the issue as a form of cultural imperialism. With determination, he stated, « If they choose those practices, that is their concern, but we will accept no lessons from them—no, absolutely not. » He also left the door open for even stricter enforcement, warning that the law could be strengthened further if deemed necessary.