Senegal has moved to strengthen its legal stance on same-sex relations, following the signing of a new law that increases penalties for such offences.
The legislation, signed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, doubles the punishment for individuals found guilty under existing provisions relating to same-sex relationships.
Authorities say the amendment is part of broader efforts to reinforce what they describe as national values and legal norms.
The revised law significantly increases jail terms compared to previous sentencing guidelines, although full details of the new penalties were not immediately outlined in the public statement.
The development has drawn attention both within Senegal and internationally, given ongoing global debates around LGBTQ rights and criminalisation laws in several countries.
Senegalese officials maintain that the updated legislation reflects domestic legal policy and societal consensus, rather than external pressure.
Human rights groups are expected to react to the move, as similar laws in other countries have previously triggered criticism and calls for reform.
The new law now takes immediate effect following presidential assent.
