In a recent operation, Matar Ndiaga Seck, a 51-year-old political figure widely recognized as a close associate of Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, was apprehended by the Criminal Investigations Division (DIC) amid allegations of « acts against nature ».

The arrest follows a warrant issued by local authorities in Linguère, Louga region, in northern Senegal. Investigators point to corroborating evidence in a case involving at least twenty detainees from the Djoloff area. As of now, Senegalese officials have not disclosed specific details about the charges or the current status of the legal proceedings.

The term « acts against nature » is legally defined under Article 319 of Senegal’s Penal Code, which criminalizes same-sex relations. This legal framework has been further reinforced by legislation enacted on March 31, 2026, introducing stricter penalties—including potential prison sentences of up to ten years—and broadening the scope of offenses related to the « promotion » of same-sex relationships.

Since the enforcement of these harsher laws, over a hundred arrests have been documented across Senegal. Notably, a French national has been held in detention since February 14 in a similar case. STOP homophobie, a human rights organization, is actively coordinating with the French citizen’s legal representation and has also launched a support initiative for individuals facing persecution under these laws, receiving over 3,000 emergency requests to date.