The horror of homophobic violence in Senegal: the exhumation and cremation of a man suspected of being homosexual
In a scene of unbearable cruelty, the remains of a man suspected of being homosexual were exhumed and then burned in public near a cemetery in Kaolack, Senegal. This terrible execution was committed in a meeting and widely relayed on social networks, drawing attention to the violence of homophobia in the country.
Videos of this abomination are circulating on the Internet, showing a group of individuals dragging the victim’s body on the ground before cremating it on an improvised pyre made of tires and bales of straw. In the crowd, witnesses filmed the scene with their cell phones, thus fueling the massive dissemination of these shocking images.
The man in question, identified by his initials “C.F.”, was buried by his family in the Léona Niassene cemetery, before being desecrated the next day. According to the Senegalese authorities, this inhuman violence is motivated by rumors of homosexuality, a crime punishable by penalties of up to five years in prison in the country.
Beyond the legal aspect, homosexuality is strongly stigmatized in Senegal, leading to social marginalization and family rejection for those accused of it. Yet never before has such a barbaric act been filmed and broadcast so blatantly on social media, drawing global attention to persistent homophobia in the country.
Following this despicable act, the public prosecutor announced the opening of an investigation and four people were arrested. A fifth, considered to be the instigator of the scene, is still on the run according to the Senegalese authorities.
This case once again reveals the cruelty suffered by members of the LGBT community in Senegal, where homophobia can continue even after death. It highlights the urgency of combating this violence and promoting tolerance and respect for the fundamental rights of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.
It is essential that Senegalese society mobilizes to combat homophobia and put an end to these barbaric acts, in order to guarantee the security and dignity of each individual, without distinction. Only in this way can we envisage a future that is more inclusive and respectful of the rights of all.