According to HJN monitoring data, since early February authorities in Senegal have arrested over 212 individuals on allegations of “acts against nature”. Amongst these, at least 48 have also been charged with “voluntary HIV transmission” on the sole basis of their HIV status. Newspapers’ reports indicate that the people arrested were subjected to forced HIV testing and personal information, such as their HIV-status and names, was subsequently disclosed in the media.

At the same time, the Senegalese National Assembly adopted an amendment to the Penal Code on 11th March 2026 that increases penalties related to same-sex conduct and extends criminal liability to forms of advocacy and financial support perceived as supporting LGBT people. The bill was signed into law by Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on 27th March 2026 and is now in force.

A detailed chronology of arrests since 4 February is set out below, with identifying information removed.