The mass arrests, which have affected both men and women across the country, also involve forced HIV testing and barriers to legal representation. Police stated they made the arrests based on information extracted from seized phones, third-party allegations, and raids on private premises.
This intensifying crackdown follows the toughening of the country's law criminalising homosexuality earlier this year. The legislation introduced penalties of up to seven years in prison and fines ranging from 500,000 to 5m CFA francs for promoting homosexuality, or supporting or financing LGBTQ+ people and organisations.
The situation has raised concerns regarding public health efforts, with worries that the consequences will negatively impact Senegal's HIV response.