A tense scene unfolded in the Medina neighborhood of Dakar, Senegal, on the night of September 24, 2026, when six young men were arrested at a birthday party. The arrests were made after a crowd of residents gathered outside the house where the party was being held, suspecting the men of being homosexual. The police intervened, dispersing the crowd and taking the men into custody.
According to reports from Seneweb, the incident occurred around 10 pm on Rue 25x04 in the Medina. The police were alerted to the situation and quickly responded to prevent any physical confrontations. Upon arrival, they found a large crowd facing the six young men, who were reportedly celebrating a birthday. The men, identified as M. Mbaye, 19, M. Ndiaye, 19, K. Badji, 20, A. Baldé, 17, Y. Fally, 16, and K. Fall, 17, were taken to the Medina district police station.
The six young men, including three minors, were placed in custody as part of an investigation. The police used three tear gas grenades to disperse the crowd and secure the men's evacuation. The arrested individuals have been identified as M. Mbaye, a 19-year-old carpenter from Rebeuss; M. Ndiaye, a 19-year-old high school student from Liberté 6; K. Badji, a 20-year-old trader from Medina; A. Baldé, a 17-year-old pastry chef from Guédiawaye; Y. Fally, a 16-year-old high school student from Medina; and K. Fall, a 17-year-old high school student from Medina.
During their interrogation, the arrested men reportedly denied the allegations against them, but have not yet convinced investigators. The police are currently examining the men's phone records and medical reports as part of the investigation. The goal is to determine the exact circumstances of the evening and any potential wrongdoing by the individuals involved.
The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of suspected homosexuals in Senegal, where same-sex relationships are stigmatized. The Medina neighborhood has been the site of previous incidents targeting individuals suspected of being LGBTQ+. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking to establish the facts surrounding the birthday party and the allegations against the arrested men.
Human rights groups have expressed concern about the arrests, citing the need for greater tolerance and understanding. The incident highlights the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Senegal, where societal attitudes and laws can make it difficult for them to live openly.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the six young men remaining in custody. Key points include: the arrests were made after a crowd gathered outside a birthday party; the men were suspected of being homosexual; and the police used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Key points
- The arrested men have been identified as M. Mbaye, M. Ndiaye, K. Badji, A. Baldé, Y. Fally, and K. Fall.
- The incident occurred in the Medina neighborhood of Dakar, Senegal.
- The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining phone records and medical reports.
