February 9th, 2026 - Two Prominent Senegalese Celebrities Arrested Amid Anti-Homosexuality Crackdown

Two popular Senegalese celebrities, TV presenter Pape Cheikh Diallo and musician Djiby Dramé, were arrested and charged with "unnatural acts," a crime typically associated with homosexual relations, according to the police. The arrests followed investigations into an HIV-positive individual who had allegedly infected at least ten others, primarily through WhatsApp groups. While the specific details of the charges against Diallo and Dramé remain unclear, both men appeared in court with ten other individuals, and a judge has been appointed to oversee the investigation.

The case comes amid a broader crackdown on homosexuality in Senegal, a country where LGBTQ+ issues have become increasingly politically and culturally contentious. Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by up to five years in prison and substantial fines. This legal framework has been supported by citizen groups pushing for even harsher penalties. The high-profile nature of the case, involving two well-known public figures, has drawn attention to the growing anti-gay sentiment in the country.

Diallo, a 42-year-old TV presenter on TFM, Senegal's most-watched channel, has a significant following among the youth, with over three million followers on TikTok. He is also a prominent figure in Senegalese media, known for his celebrity interviews. Dramé, in his 40s, is a popular singer, particularly among older Senegalese audiences. Known for his duets with his wife, Maman Chérie, Dramé is a respected figure in the country's entertainment scene and frequently hosts high-profile social events.

Despite their public reputations as family-oriented individuals, both men’s arrests highlight the deepening divide over homosexuality in Senegal. Babacar M’Baye, a professor specializing in sexuality in Senegal, noted that this case reflects strong homophobic sentiments in the country. He also observed that the country's views on homosexuality are heavily influenced by misrepresentations of the issue as abnormal, further complicating the broader societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals.

The case's political and cultural implications are significant, as many see the arrests as an attempt to send a message about national values. While some view it as a form of scapegoating celebrities, others see it as an opportunity for increased awareness of LGBTQ+ rights and tolerance. Despite the backlash against the charges, M’Baye suggests that the case could spark important conversations around the need for greater tolerance in Senegalese society.

As the legal process continues, both celebrities’ actions will likely influence the public's perception of LGBTQ+ issues in Senegal, especially considering their widespread influence and the ongoing debates surrounding gender and sexuality in the region. Their arrest represents a turning point for the LGBTQ+ community in Senegal, and the outcome of the case could have long-lasting effects on the nation’s stance on these issues.

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) - Fortuitous (adj, for-TOO-uh-tus) - Fortuitous is a formal word that usually describes something that comes or happens by a lucky chance. It can also mean “happening by chance” and “fortunate, lucky.”

Example: The fact that we were both there was a fortuitous coincidence.

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