Senegal: LGBTQ+ people go into hiding as arrests mount, Rights Group says

Senegal’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ people is forcing many into hiding, according to a new Human Rights Watch report.

The report, published Monday, says the government’s punitive actions after a law increased punishment for homosexuality are pushing people to hide and to avoid HIV testing and treatment.

Those interviewed described having restricted their movements, withdrawn from social and online life, relocated, or abandoned their mobile phones to avoid detection by security forces. Some have left the country.

The number of arrests is disputed, because there is no official count.

The Dakar-based African Forum for the Defence of Human Rights puts the figure at at least 212 between February and July, while the HIV Justice Network says it exceeded 300 over the same period.

The HIV Justice Network also said 82 people were charged with “voluntary HIV transmission,” though a court dismissed those charges in August.

Rights groups have described forced HIV testing and barriers to legal representation, and one campaigner called the transmission charges “nonsensical” because most of those arrested had only learned their status on arrest, had condoms with them, or were on treatment that prevents transmission.

The fear is also hurting health care. Same-sex conduct has been criminalised in Senegal since 1965, but hostility has intensified in recent years, fuelled by false claims that LGBT identities are un-African.

A doctor in Dakar said fewer people are seeking HIV prevention and care, with some having fled and others hiding.

HRW has urged the government to release those arbitrarily detained, repeal the amended provisions, investigate alleged abuses, and guarantee access to lawyers and confidential health care.

The rights group also noted that Senegal is due to host the Youth Olympic Games at the end of the month.