A Senegalese man identified as Assane has fled his home country and is now seeking asylum in France after facing persecution over his sexual orientation, highlighting growing concerns about LGBTQ rights in Senegal.
Assane, whose name has been changed for safety reasons, left Senegal approximately seven months ago after his father discovered he was gay. What followed, he says, was a combination of family rejection and mounting societal pressure that made it impossible for him to remain.
“It’s been at most six or seven months since I left my country because of my sexual orientation, which my father had found out about,” Assane said.
His departure comes at a time when Senegal has intensified its stance against same-sex relationships. In March, lawmakers overwhelmingly passed new legislation that doubles the maximum penalty for same-sex relations, raising prison sentences to up to 10 years.
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The law, approved by a vote of 135 in favour, with none opposed and three abstentions, also introduces stricter financial penalties. Fines now range from two million to 10 million CFA francs (approximately $3,500 to $17,600), a significant increase from previous penalties.
Authorities say the harshest punishments will apply in cases involving minors. Additionally, the law criminalises false accusations of same-sex relations, penalising individuals who make such claims “without proof.”
Since February, enforcement of anti-LGBTQ laws has reportedly intensified. Local media have documented dozens of arrests, including a high-profile case involving 12 men, among them two well-known public figures. The arrests marked the beginning of a broader wave of detentions that has raised alarm among human rights advocates.
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For individuals like Assane, the risks extend beyond legal consequences. Social stigma and family rejection remain deeply entrenched, often forcing LGBTQ individuals into hiding or exile.
Now in France, Assane is seeking asylum on the grounds of persecution due to his sexual orientation. International law recognises such claims, but the process can be lengthy and uncertain.
His story underscores a wider trend in parts of Africa, where tightening legislation and increased enforcement against LGBTQ communities are prompting many to flee in search of safety and acceptance abroad.
As debates over human rights and cultural values continue, individuals like Assane remain caught in the middle—forced to choose between living openly and living safely.
