Stories from Senegal

Senegalese rapper Didier Awadi expressed concern regarding the role of political actors and the impact of artificial intelligence on the music sector. The discussion highlighted how AI can allow access to protected works without the authorization of copyright holders.

President Bassiroudou Diomaye Faye promulgated a law on March 30 that criminalizes same-sex relations. The new legislation imposes prison sentences ranging from 5 to 10 years for individuals involved in such acts. Radio Radicale reports the law marks a decline in human rights in the West African nation. The country was previously considered one of the more stable and tolerant in the region. Senegal has implemented more severe punishments for homosexuality in recent days. The move is described as a way to assert African values against Western influences. The policy has faced local disagreement, though gathering testimonies remains difficult.

A network of institutions and social movements will collaborate with the national census in Senegal. Márcio Poschmann explained that a pilot test was previously conducted in Niterói. While previous initiatives were regional, a national methodology is now being implemented.

At least one hundred people have been arrested across Senegal since the promulgation of a new law on March 30. The arrests are reportedly for "acts against nature," targeting the LGBT community.

Senegal has launched a national call to action following rising bacteriological pollution levels in Dakar. The pollution is affecting popular and highly frequented beaches.

A recently published report indicates several coastal sites in Dakar, Senegal, face risks of marine pollution. The initiative aims to ensure that users of the coastline can engage in swimming, fishing, surfing, or diving without health risks.

A coalition of NGOs has launched an advocacy campaign to improve bathing water quality in Dakar. The group recommends deploying sanitation police to disconnect illegal connections made to rainwater channels. The goal is to connect these systems to functional sanitation infrastructure to ensure water levels meet human health and environmental standards. Dakar is noted as a major tourist city. Non-governmental organizations have launched a national call to action to improve water quality in Dakar. Dakar's beaches are noted as highly frequented tourist locations. Advocates have launched a plea to improve the quality of other water sources in Dakar.

A study has identified marine pollution and a lack of coastal protection in Senegal. The research said the impunity of polluting actors despite clearly identified causes. Recommendations from the study include implementing clearer strategies to address environmental violations.

The Sof Rider Foundation Senegal conducted 477 analyses across 80 sampling campaigns to evaluate sanitary risks for swimming. A report by a citizen network revealed varying levels of fecal contamination across several water sites in Senegal.

The appeal trial for Murad Zeridi has been postponed to May 12 in Dakar. He was originally arrested on May 11, 2024, and had previously received an eight-month sentence for spreading false news in political columns.