Gambiaj.com – (TOUBA, Senegal) – Five men have been arrested in the religious city of Touba and neighboring Mbacké in what security sources describe as a crackdown on alleged same-sex relations and suspected voluntary transmission of HIV.
The operation was conducted by the Brigade de Recherches (BR) of the Touba Company, attached to the Thiès Gendarmerie Legion, according to information reported by security sources. The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny in Touba following the recent detention of dozens of other suspects on similar allegations involving homosexuality and HIV exposure.
Arrest in the Holy City
Touba, regarded as Senegal’s spiritual capital and headquarters of the Mouride brotherhood, occupies a unique religious status in the country. Law enforcement operations linked to morality-related offenses in the city often attract particular public attention due to its sacred standing.
According to the report, the case began on February 7 when gendarmes were alerted to the alleged activities of A.D., a 36-year-old resident of Touba who is reported to be living with HIV. Investigators launched inquiries and arrested him on February 12.
Security sources said A.D. allegedly identified several partners during questioning. This led to the subsequent arrest in Mbacké of three men, identified by their initials as M.L., a metal carpenter; K.N., a tailor; and B.D., a trader.
A fifth suspect was also apprehended the same day, while another individual reportedly fled before gendarmes arrived at his home.
Searches carried out at the suspects’ residences allegedly resulted in the seizure of condoms and lubricant, according to the report.
Charges and Wider Context
The five men have been placed in police custody on charges including criminal association, “acts against nature,” and endangering the lives of others, particularly in relation to the alleged voluntary transmission of HIV.
The Public Prosecutor at the Diourbel High Court has been notified, and investigations are ongoing, with the possibility of further arrests.
Under Article 319 of Senegal’s Penal Code, same-sex relations are criminalized. In recent weeks, security forces have reportedly arrested dozens of individuals across the country on related grounds, combining accusations of homosexuality with claims of deliberate HIV exposure, a development that has intensified public debate, especially in conservative religious strongholds such as Touba.
The National Gendarmerie, under the command of General Martin Faye, says it continues operations nationwide aimed at combating crime and safeguarding public order.
