Across West Africa, a disturbing trend is emerging as governments tighten their grip on LGBTQ+ communities, invoking claims of cultural sovereignty and moral integrity. This intensifying crackdown has drawn accusations of political opportunism from activists who argue that these laws are wielded as tools to distract from pressing domestic issues.
A Surge in Repressive Legislation
In recent months, several nations in the region have moved to strengthen existing anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Senegal has emerged as a prominent example, doubling the maximum prison sentence for consensual same-sex relations to ten years and criminalising what officials refer to as the “promotion” of homosexuality. Just last February, Niger enacted legislation that outlaws same-sex intimacy for the first time, while Mali and Burkina Faso have followed suit, marking a significant escalation of repression under military rule.
The situation in Ghana adds another layer of complexity. While the country has long prohibited homosexual acts, a new bill aimed at criminalising a wide range of LGBTQ+ activities is currently under consideration. Although it awaits presidential approval, the proposed legislation is viewed as a direct continuation of a previous bill introduced in 2021 and has sparked outrage among human rights advocates.
Scapegoats for Political Gain
Anthony Oluoch, a representative of Pan Africa ILGA, a leading LGBTQ+ rights organisation, argues that the growing legislative hostility is a manifestation of “political opportunism.” He suggests that leaders across the region are using the LGBTQ+ community as a convenient scapegoat to consolidate their power amidst mounting political and economic challenges.
“Underlying these laws are campaigns for ‘family values’ backed by religious groups,” Oluoch explains. In Burkina Faso, for instance, the government has framed its anti-LGBTQ+ stance as a matter of national sovereignty in response to perceived Western interference. The sentiment echoes a broader trend in which LGBTQ+ individuals are increasingly vilified as a means to unify the populace under a shared societal narrative.
An anonymous activist from Burkina Faso lamented the dire implications of such scapegoating, noting, “LGBTQ+ people are the easiest targets for maintaining political power.” The impact on the community has been harrowing, with reports of violence and harassment escalating even before the implementation of new laws.
The Human Toll of Repression
The consequences of these legislative changes are already being felt by the LGBTQ+ community. Activists report that, in Burkina Faso alone, thirteen transgender women were detained without trial between June and November of last year, and many experienced brutal treatment at the hands of military personnel. Following the enactment of the new laws, at least two convictions have been recorded, highlighting the swift and ruthless application of state power.
Moreover, law enforcement agencies are reportedly employing tactics such as social media entrapment to target LGBTQ+ individuals, coercing them into naming others within their community. A healthcare worker focused on HIV prevention fled Burkina Faso after being identified during an arrest, illustrating the severe risks faced by those who dare to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in the current climate.
A Broader Network of Influence
The rise of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in West Africa is not an isolated phenomenon. The African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family Values and Sovereignty, which has significantly influenced these repressive laws, is scheduled to be held in Burkina Faso and Eswatini next year. Such gatherings, which began in Uganda in 2023, have drawn support from conservative organisations, including US-based Family Watch International, known for its staunch opposition to abortion and comprehensive sex education.
At the latest conference, held in Ghana, a draft of the African Charter on Family Sovereignty and Values was presented, which condemns abortion and asserts traditional gender roles. Amanda Odoi, a researcher at the University of Cape Coast, described the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Ghana as an “effective political tool” that finds backing from powerful religious factions. The bill’s language, which includes terms like “LGBTTQAP+,” raises questions about the influence of foreign ideologies on local laws.
Ebenezer Peegah, the executive director of Rightify Ghana, argues that Ghana’s political clout makes it a strategic location for these discussions. He stated, “Ghana has credentials that Uganda does not have,” pointing to its relatively stable democracy and press freedoms.
The Ripple Effect Across the Region
The ramifications of these laws extend beyond their immediate jurisdictions. In Senegal, the crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights has severely hindered HIV prevention efforts among men who have sex with men and transgender women, who are already at a heightened risk. Activists warn that the ripple effects could drive vulnerable individuals to seek refuge in neighbouring countries, where they may face similar or harsher legal repercussions.
Reports indicate that around 100 Senegalese individuals attempted to flee to The Gambia this year, only to find themselves facing equally stringent laws, including life imprisonment for same-sex relations. The worsening climate of homophobia in both countries is exacerbating the already dire circumstances, as cultural and religious similarities between them create a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Why it Matters
The surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across West Africa is not merely a regional issue but part of a larger global phenomenon where cultural and political narratives are being weaponised against marginalised communities. As governments exploit LGBTQ+ individuals as convenient scapegoats, the risk of violence, discrimination, and public health crises escalates. The international community must remain vigilant, recognising the broader implications of these laws and advocating for the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation. The struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in West Africa reflects a crucial battle for human rights that transcends borders, demanding urgent attention and action from global leaders.
