A poster showing Niger's military leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani. -

AP Photo

Last updated: 3 hours ago

Niger

Niger’s military-run government has enacted a new penal code that criminalises same-sex relations with heavy jail sentences.

By passing the reform, it follows in the footsteps of other West African countries in adopting tough anti-LGBTQ legislation.

While relations between people of the same sex were heavily stigmatised in the Muslim-majority country, they had not previously been a criminal offence.

Under the new law, same-sex relations will be punishable by a jail term of between five and 10 years and a fine.

It also says that anyone committing or trying to commit "an indecent or unnatural act, or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual practices" will face the same penalty.

It adds that "anyone who enters into marriage with a person of the same sex" faces 10 to 20 years' imprisonment.

Since seizing power in 2023, junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani, has pushed an anti-Western agenda, criticising some of its values.

The penal code reform was initiated under Niger's previous civilian president Mohamed Bazoum under pressure from Muslim groups and lawmakers.

The enactment of the new code took effect in February but had gone unnoticed in the country until social media and media outlets in recent days announced a "large-scale crackdown".

Justice Minister Alio Daouda said recently that Niger had legislated "in full responsibility and sovereignty" because same-sex relations do not "conform to its social and cultural values".

Nigerian soldiers pass law against same-sex relationships

Suggested for you

More Stories

Federal Government Arrests Five Men for Terrorism and Arms Smuggling to Boko Haram

Government releases GH¢537m to pay school fees for 159,750 students under No Fees Stress Policy

EFCC arrests aviation security officer, two others for smuggling gold worth N4.4bn

Trump calls off strike on Iran

Warri Dispute: Ijaw, Urhobo Leaders Ask Protesters to Leave Oil Facilities After Tinubu Steps In

Lawyer of jailed Moroccan activist warns that her health is deteriorating

Discussion