Niger military junta criminalises homosexuality

Homosexuality has been criminalised by the military government of Niger, passible of 5 to 10 years of prison on the 12th of June. According to Le Monde Afrique, Niger has gone further in the repression of LGBTQIA+ people, adopting and enhancing existing laws in the charter of refundation. 

Additionally to the possible years in prison, a fine of 100 million CFA francs, equivalent to 150 000 euros, can apply in case of sexual relations with a person of the same gender. 

The new penal code was adopted in February 2026, under the rule of the military junta led by General Abdourahamane Tiani. The military government was established in July 2023 after a coup.

The charter of reconstruction of the country stated in March that homosexual practices were “unnatural” and were banned by the law, without any sentences announced. The Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Alio Daouda, had then declared that “it was not part of Nigerian societal and cultural values”.

Christian Ramu from Amnesty International told Le Monde that this new criminalisation is particularly worrying, in a climate where many African states see increased repression for homosexuality. 

Mali and Burkina Faso, Niger’s Sahelien neighbours, had already established homosexuality as a crime in the last few years. Mali represses it with 7 years in prison and a fine of 500 000 CFA francs, equivalent to 760 euros. 

The new law includes a sentence of up to 20 years in prison in case of same-sex marriage, as well as for anybody financing or organising clubs, societies or organisations destined for the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Arlana Shikonho, member and communication officer for the Pan African ILGA organisation based in South Africa, told Le Monde that the NGO was in contact with people in Niger, explaining that the insecurity and danger are growing constantly. 

The three Sahel countries have shifted diplomatic relations while forming alliances with Russia, which exports traditional and extra-conservative values to African countries. 

Le Monde, Maghrebi.org