Le Niger criminalise l'homosexualité dans son nouveau code pénal
Niger has criminalized homosexuality in its new penal code, according to the official gazette consulted by AFP on Thursday, June 11. This is a first for the predominantly Muslim and conservative country, where homosexuality was previously taboo but had never been defined as a criminal offense. Several countries in the sub-region have tightened their legislation on this matter since last year.
The reform of Niger's penal code was initiated under the regime of President Mohamed Bazoum, who was overthrown in a coup in July 2023. Promulgated several weeks ago, the new text had gone relatively unnoticed until now. Five articles now provide for heavy prison sentences and fines.
Thus, an "indecent act" or "unnatural act," same-sex sexual relations, as well as gender reassignment or attempted gender reassignment, are now punishable by five to ten years' imprisonment. These acts can also be sanctioned by fines of up to 100 million CFA francs (approximately 150,000 euros).
Sentences of up to 20 years in prison
The penalties are even harsher for same-sex marriages. The new penal code stipulates prison sentences of 10 to 20 years for those involved, as well as for their witnesses and organizers. The same penalties apply to managers of gay clubs or associations and their members. According to the text, fines can reach up to 500 million CFA francs (approximately 750,000 euros), with no possibility of mitigating circumstances or suspended sentences.
In May, Niger's Minister of Justice, Alio Daouda, stated on state television that homosexuality "is not in line" with Niger's social and cultural values. For several days now, Nigerien social media has been reporting a large-scale crackdown on homosexual circles.
In 2025, two young women, initially acquitted, were sentenced to prison for "public indecency." The case caused a major uproar in this predominantly Muslim and conservative country. Niger thus became the fourth country in the sub-region to tighten its legislation targeting LGBT people since last year, after Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Senegal.
![[ EXCLUSIF] Keur Massar : Momo, garde du corps de Sonko, victime de cambriolage , une somme d'argent emportée à son domicile](https://image.seneweb.com/content/news/2026-24-11//thumb_1260x800_6a2af4367fc31_aguxPII11b.jpg)
Commentaires (5)
Participer à la Discussion
Règles de la communauté :
💡 Astuce : Utilisez des emojis depuis votre téléphone ou le module emoji ci-dessous. Cliquez sur GIF pour ajouter un GIF animé. Collez un lien X/Twitter, TikTok ou Instagram pour l'afficher automatiquement.