Key facts
- Niger's military junta has introduced a new penal code that criminalizes homosexuality.
- The new law imposes prison sentences of five to 10 years for engaging in or attempting same-sex acts.
- Individuals involved in officiating, witnessing, or consenting to same-sex marriages also face penalties.
- The penal code took effect on Thursday.
- Previously, homosexuality was not illegal in Niger but was heavily stigmatized.
Niger's military junta has implemented a new penal code that criminalizes homosexuality, imposing prison sentences of five to 10 years for engaging in or attempting same-sex acts. The law, which took effect on Thursday, also targets individuals involved in officiating, witnessing, or consenting to same-sex marriages.
Previously, homosexuality was not illegal in Niger but faced significant social stigma. Niger joins a growing number of African nations that have criminalized same-sex relations, with penalties varying widely across the continent. More than 30 of Africa's 54 countries prohibit same-sex sexual acts, with some imposing sentences of 10 years or more, and a few even carrying the death penalty.
An adviser to the justice minister, Hamidou Julien, confirmed the new law's effective date to The Associated Press.