Senegal convicted someone under the new, stricter anti-gay law for the first time. A man in Pikine-Guédiawaye, near capital Dakar, received six years imprisonment. This is the first case applying the increased punishment.

The ruling shows how quickly Senegal enforces the new rules practically. The African state tightened legislation on homosexuality last year. This happened despite international criticism from human rights organisations.

Human rights activists warn that the law applies much more unfairly. They fear more prosecutions will follow. Law opponents argue it restricts fundamental freedoms and encourages discrimination.

Senegal's government, however, defends the approach. Officials state they want to protect local culture and values. The country follows a larger trend in Africa where anti-LGBTQ+ laws increasingly tighten and apply more strictly.