Legislative Shifts Across West and Central Africa
A report titled "New wave of anti-LGBTQ laws sweeps Africa" was published by EWN on June 18, 2026. The article states that a string of West African countries have outlawed same-sex relations in recent months.
Current Status of Same-Sex Relations Laws
The text notes that out of Africa's 54 countries, only about 20 do not currently criminalise same-sex relations. The report describes this situation as further eroding LGBTQ rights on a continent where they were already under attack.
Uganda: Setting the Tone
The article cites Uganda as having set the tone for these laws by adopting one of the world's harshest anti-LGBTQ laws in 2023. The legislation included provisions for the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality".
Recent Legislation in Burkina Faso and Niger
In September 2025, Burkina Faso criminalised same-sex relations with prison terms of up to five years. In February, neighbouring Niger adopted a new penal code that includes jail terms of up to 20 years for same-sex marriage.
Senegal's Penal Code Changes
In March, Senegal adopted a law doubling sentences for same-sex relations; the text cuts off before specifying the original sentence length or full details regarding this specific measure.
Attributed Drivers of Legislative Trends
The article attributes forces driving this legislative trend to politicians playing to their homophobic base and geopolitical factors involving the rejection of supposedly "Western values". The report does not provide further elaboration on these attributed drivers beyond these descriptions.