Key facts
- Niger's military regime has introduced a new penal code that criminalizes homosexuality.
- Dozens of people, including military officials, have been arrested.
- The penal code imposes prison sentences of up to 10 years for same-sex relations and up to 20 years for involvement with LGBTQ+ organizations.
- HIV service organizations have been forced to stop operations due to the arrests and hostile climate.
- Niger recently voted against a UN political declaration on HIV/Aids.
Niger's military regime has initiated a "witch-hunt" against the LGBTQ+ population, arresting dozens of individuals and imprisoning 16 men, including high-ranking military officials, following the implementation of a new penal code in February. This code criminalizes "indecent or unnatural acts" and same-sex relations, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and significant fines. It also mandates lengthy prison terms for those involved in or organizing gay marriages and LGBTQ+ organizations.
The crackdown has created a "toxic" climate, forcing LGBTQ+ individuals into hiding and causing organizations that provide HIV services to cease operations due to safety concerns and lack of access to essential resources like condoms and PrEP. A source noted the increased risk of HIV infections spreading as a direct consequence.
Gen Abdourahamane Tiani, who seized power in a coup in July 2023, heads the military government. His regime has dissolved political parties and promoted anti-imperialist rhetoric, forming the Alliance of Sahel States with Mali and Burkina Faso. While the penal code changes began under the previous civilian president, Tiani's regime promulgated the Charter of the Refoundation, which prohibits LGBTQ+ relations, with criminal penalties introduced via the new penal code.
Political scientist Larissa Kojoué criticized the use of "African values" by leaders to advance political agendas and undermine human rights, dismissing the notion that homosexuality is a Western import. Niger was among eight countries that voted against the UN's political declaration on HIV/Aids last week.
This development aligns with a broader trend across sub-Saharan Africa, where several nations have recently introduced or strengthened laws criminalizing same-sex relations, including Uganda, Senegal, and Ghana. International human rights group Front Line Defenders has expressed deep concern and called for the repeal of these discriminatory provisions.