Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has condemned the public circulation of names of individuals presented as homosexuals, describing the practice as unacceptable and beyond the authority of private actors.

Speaking during a session at the National Assembly, Sonko addressed concerns over lists allegedly identifying individuals as homosexuals, including references to their purported HIV status.

The Prime Minister stated that no individual or organisation has the right to publicly expose citizens, stressing that matters relating to morality, public order or alleged offences fall strictly within the jurisdiction of the State.

The remarks come amid renewed debate in Senegal over LGBTQ-related issues, which remain criminalised under Senegalese law.

Earlier this month, 12 men were arrested in Dakar on charges of “acts against nature” and the alleged intentional transmission of HIV. Those arrested reportedly include television reporter Pape Diallo and musician Djiby Drameh.

Authorities have yet to announce any formal investigation into the publication of the lists.