The fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games will take place in the capital of Senegal, Dakar, from October 31 to November 13. The sporting event is set to draw international attention to the country, and activists are calling on the Senegalese government to stop the ongoing crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights.
In March 2026, Senegal amended Article 319 of the penal code, doubling the maximum penalty for same-sex acts from five to 10 years in prison. The law also introduced prison sentences between three and seven years for the “promotion” or “financing” of homosexuality, a move seen as a crackdown on LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
Soon after the law was passed, authorities started mass arrests against the LGBTQ+ community, with dozens detained on suspicion of same-sex relations. In April, a court in Senegal issued the first conviction under the new law, sentencing a 24-year-old man to six years in prison and a fine of $3,300 for “acts against nature and public indecency”.
According to data collected by NGO RADDHO, at least 212 people were arrested in connection with Article 319. Separately, HIV Justice Network reported that the number of arrests actually exceeded 300, with 82 people being charged with “voluntary HIV transmission”.
With the Youth Olympic Games approaching, Senegal is set to attract renewed international attention, as nearly 3,000 athletes are due to arrive in its capital. As the city gears up for the prestigious event, LGBTQ+ and human rights groups are again calling on the government to uphold the principles of diversity and inclusivity of the Olympic Games and halt the mass arrests of LGBTQ+ people.
“The ongoing government crackdown on LGBT people raises serious concerns about Senegal’s compliance with international law, the Olympic Charter and Senegal’s own laws,” said Larissa Kojoué, LGBTQ+ rights researcher at Human Rights Watch.
“LGBT people are being forced to curb their normal activities and to keep from exercising their rights for fear of arrest and increased stigma,” Kojoué added.
“Senegal’s government should call a halt to this crackdown, which threatens everyone’s rights.”
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