President Macky Sall said on Wednesday, February 12, that the ban on homosexuality in Senegal was a cultural specificity of his country and had not " nothing to see " with homophobia, in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who "Briefly" raised the subject with him.
"I am always in the defense of human rights and I always bring these issues wherever I go, Trudeau, known for his commitment to the matter, said at a joint press briefing in Dakar. President Macky Sall is very familiar with my perspectives on this and has been touched on briefly. " He counterpointed the fact that Senegal is, according to him, “A leader in terms of democracy, in terms of values. We all have more work to do ”.
Sall confirmed that the sensitive issue in the West African country was raised during their talks. "Only, the laws of our country obey standards which are the digest of our values of culture and civilization", he justified. "It has nothing to do with homophobia. Those who have a sexual orientation of their choice are not excluded. ", he insisted.
Apostrophied by a journalist who asked him why laws prohibiting homosexuality were not homophobia, Mr. Sall was careful not to explain, but he did not rule out an evolution. "Nor can we ask Senegal to say: "Tomorrow we legalize homosexuality, and tomorrow is the gay parade" ", he added, with reference to "Pride marches" organized in other parts of the world.
"That is not possible because our society does not accept it. The society, it will evolve, it will take the time it will take, added the Senegalese president. Each country has its own metabolism. " Senegalese law punishes homosexual acts with sentences of one to five years' imprisonment. The Criminal Code talks about"Shameless or unnatural act with an individual of his sex".
Widely taboo question
Mr. Sall, whose country is often cited as an example of the rule of law in Africa, has always invoked the specificities of Senegal to refuse the decriminalization of homosexuality.
More than half of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa, 28 out of 49, have laws prohibiting or punishing homosexuality, which is sometimes punishable by the death penalty.
Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country practicing Islam renowned for its religious tolerance. Large brotherhoods play a preponderant role in the life of the Senegalese. Homosexuality is largely taboo.
Before Trudeau’s visit, the Senegalese press had warned of a conservative collective against the risk that the Prime Minister would come to promote a homosexual agenda.
In Canada, on the contrary, there has been concern that Trudeau is sacrificing advocacy for his country's current campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. The voices of African countries are precious in this quest. Before arriving in Senegal on Monday, Trudeau was in Ethiopia, where the African Union was assembled at the summit.
The Senegalese president supported him: “We need Canada's voice on the Security Council. I think it's a voice that will resonate and that will be reasonable. From this point of view, Canada has our full support. "
Trudeau's stay in Senegal emphasizes the inclusion of women and girls, including in peacekeeping missions, the situation in the Sahel, trade, development assistance and the crisis climate.
Monday morning, he visited the House of slaves on the island of Gorée, off Dakar, where the memory of the slave trade is kept alive. "I will remember this visit all my life", did he declare, "Upset and moved".
