Senegal has convicted someone for the first time under its new, tougher anti-gay law. A man in Pikine-Guédiawaye, near the capital Dakar, received a six-year prison sentence. This marks the first case applying the increased penalty.

The ruling shows how quickly Senegal is enforcing the new rules. The West African nation tightened gay legislation last year. This happened despite international criticism from human rights organisations.

Human rights activists warn the law is applied unfairly. They fear more prosecutions will follow. Law opponents argue it restricts fundamental freedoms and encourages discrimination.

Senegal's government defends its approach, however. Officials say they want to protect local culture and values. The country follows a broader trend across Africa. Anti-LGBTQ+ laws are increasingly tightened and enforced more harshly there.