Senegal’s new Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has criticized the French military presence in the West African country and also slammed efforts by the West to promote values that he sees as not fitting with those held by Senegal and other African countries, including LGBTQ rights and monogamy. “I want to reiterate Senegal’s desire for self-determination, which is incompatible with the long-term presence of foreign military bases in Senegal,” Sonko added. Apart from raising the possibility of closing French military bases on Senegal’s territory, the prime minister also reiterated his election campaign promise to renegotiate oil and gas contracts in the West African country, where production is due to begin this year. In his wide-ranging speech, Sonko also touched on the euro-backed CFA franc currency and LGBTQ+ rights and monogamy. Talking about homosexuality, while admitting that this “phenomenon” existed in Senegal, the prime minister called on Western nations to show “restraint, respect, reciprocity and tolerance” on social matters including LGBTQ rights and gender equality.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 19, 2024 11:25 UTC