Senegal Arrests TV Star Pape Cheikh Diallo and Singer Djiby Dramé in Same-Sex Relations Case

Dakar, Senegal — Senegalese authorities have arrested prominent television presenter Pape Cheikh Diallo and popular singer Djiby Dramé, charging them under laws that criminalise same-sex relations, according to officials familiar with the case.

Police said the two men appeared in court on Monday alongside 10 other suspects, accused of committing what Senegalese law describes as “unnatural acts,” a term used to prosecute consensual same-sex conduct. Neither Diallo nor Dramé entered a plea, and a judge has been appointed to lead further investigations.

Case Linked to Wider Police Probe

Authorities indicated the arrests followed a broader investigation involving an HIV-positive individual who allegedly admitted to knowingly infecting multiple people through contacts arranged via messaging platforms. It remains unclear whether Diallo and Dramé face charges directly connected to those allegations. Legal representatives have disputed elements of the reports circulating online.

Diallo’s lawyer rejected what he described as misinformation, saying claims about his client were being exaggerated as the case unfolds.

Renewed Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Rights

The arrests come amid a renewed enforcement drive against same-sex relationships in Senegal, where such conduct carries penalties of up to five years in prison and significant fines. Advocacy groups have continued to push for harsher laws, while analysts note that public sentiment on the issue remains deeply polarised.

“Homosexuality is widely framed as socially unacceptable, and public attitudes are strongly opposed,” said Babacar M’Baye, a professor at Kent State University, describing the broader cultural context surrounding the case.

High-Profile Figures

Diallo, 42, is a well-known media personality, widely recognised for celebrity interviews and a strong social media following among younger audiences. Dramé is a celebrated musician who performs in Soninké and Bambara, frequently appearing at major cultural events and weddings.

The case has drawn international attention, highlighting ongoing debates over human rights, public health policy, and criminal law in West Africa.