Niger Criminalizes Same-Sex Relations for the First Time

In the Republic of Niger, a new penal code has come into effect that explicitly criminalizes same-sex relations for the first time in the country’s history. The document was signed by the military government led by General Abdourahamane Tiani.

The new code stipulates five to ten years in prison and fines of up to 100 million CFA francs (about 164,000 US dollars) for same-sex sexual acts. Punishments also apply to so-called “LGBTQIA+ practices” and attempts to surgically change one’s sex. Entering into a same-sex marriage, organizing it, or establishing and financing LGBT associations carries a penalty of 10 to 20 years in prison.

The code took effect in February 2026, but the media drew attention to the new measures only in June amid reports of large-scale raids against LGBT people in the country’s capital. Previously, same-sex relations were not explicitly banned by law in Niger, although they remained taboo in a society where the majority of the population follows Islam.

Justice Minister Alio Daouda stated that the authorities passed the law “in full sovereignty” because same-sex relations contradict Niger’s socio-cultural values. Following a coup in July 2023, the military government has adopted an anti-Western stance and frequently criticizes foreign values. The reform of the penal code began under the previous president, Mohamed Bazoum, under pressure from Muslim organizations, but the new authorities ultimately approved the law.

Niger joins the trend of tightening homophobic legislation in West Africa. Recently, similar restrictions have been adopted in other countries in the region. For example, neighboring Burkina Faso also banned homosexual relations, and last month Senegal doubled the maximum prison sentence for same-sex acts.