Senegal: LFI's 'pas de deux' with Pastef in the face of state homophobia

In October 2026, the international political landscape was marked by a notable rapprochement between La France Insoumise (LFI), a French left-wing political party, and the Senegalese Pastef party (African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics, and Fraternity). This interaction quickly attracted the attention of observers, human rights organizations, and the media, particularly due to the blatant divergence of their respective positions on LGBTQ+ rights. Senegal maintains legislation that criminalizes homosexual acts, contrasting sharply with LFI’s commitment to these rights in France. This “pas de deux,” as it has been called by some analysts, raises fundamental questions about the consistency of political principles internationally and the potential impact on marginalized communities.

Legal and social context of homophobia in Senegal

Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country where religion plays a prominent role in social and political life. Attitudes towards homosexuality are generally conservative, and legislation reflects this social sentiment. According to reports from international human rights organizations, article 319 of the Senegalese Penal Code punishes “unnatural” acts committed with a person of the same sex with a prison sentence ranging from one to five years and a fine. This law is regularly applied, leading to arrests and convictions of individuals suspected of homosexuality.

Constant social and religious pressure

Beyond the legal framework, social and religious pressure is intense. Religious leaders and public figures regularly speak out against homosexuality, calling it an “abomination” and an “imported” practice contrary to Senegalese values. These discourses contribute to a climate of hostility and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, who often live in fear of denunciation, violence, and ostracization. LGBTQ+ rights organizations in Senegal operate in an extremely difficult environment, often forced underground for security reasons. Their actions focus on awareness-raising, victim support, and discreet advocacy, but the path to recognition and protection of their rights is fraught with obstacles. Reports indicate that LGBTQ+ people face discrimination in employment, housing, access to healthcare, and are often victims of physical and verbal violence, sometimes perpetrated by members of their own families or by self-proclaimed citizen groups guarding morals.

La France Insoumise’s position on LGBTQ+ rights

La France Insoumise (LFI) is a French political party that is resolutely in favor of LGBTQ+ rights within its national territory. Its political program generally includes measures aimed at strengthening the fight against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, guaranteeing equal rights for all, and promoting an inclusive society. LFI members regularly participate in pride marches, support legislative projects in favor of transgender and intersex people, and denounce homophobia and transphobia in the public and political sphere.

A strong national commitment

This commitment is often presented as a cornerstone of their vision for a just and egalitarian society. They have historically advocated for legislative reforms aimed at improving the rights of same-sex couples, access to medically assisted procreation for all women, and recognition of gender identity by simple declaration. In France, LFI is seen as a major actor in the fight for the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights. However, the question arises as to how these principles are exported or adapted during interactions with foreign political parties whose values and legislations are in flagrant contradiction with their own on these subjects.

Pastef and the Senegalese political landscape

Pastef, led by Ousmane Sonko, is a Senegalese political party that has gained popularity by presenting itself as an alternative to traditional elites. It is characterized by a nationalist, populist, and pan-Africanist discourse, emphasizing Senegal’s economic and cultural sovereignty. On societal issues, Pastef tends to adopt positions that align with the predominant conservative values in Senegal. Although its program primarily focuses on governance, social justice, and the economy, its leaders have, in the past, avoided taking clear positions in favor of LGBTQ+ rights, or have even sometimes supported existing legislation.

Alignment with traditional values

The party has been cautious on sensitive societal issues, preferring not to alienate a predominantly conservative electoral base. In a country where anti-homosexuality demonstrations are common and where pressure to tighten laws is sometimes strong, it is politically risky for a party to challenge the status quo. Observers have noted that Pastef, like other Senegalese parties, navigates an environment where the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights is largely perceived as foreign interference or a threat to national and religious values. This stance contrasts sharply with LFI’s approach, creating an implicit tension in their rapprochement.

The “pas de deux”: the interaction between LFI and Pastef

The rapprochement between LFI and Pastef manifested through exchanges and declarations which, according to analyses, aimed to establish a political alliance or cooperation on common themes such as anti-imperialism, the sovereignty of African nations, and the fight against global inequalities. Delegations from both parties met, and messages of mutual support were expressed. However, the issue of LGBTQ+ rights quickly became a point of friction or, at least, a delicate subject in this new dynamic.

Silence or compromise?

According to media reports and expert observations, LFI has been accused of minimizing or ignoring the issue of LGBTQ+ rights in Senegal during these interactions, so as not to jeopardize the nascent alliance with Pastef. This approach has drawn criticism from some activists and observers, who saw it as a lack of consistency with the principles LFI defends in France. Voices were raised asking how a party that advocates for equality and non-discrimination could ally itself with a party that operates within a legislative and social framework discriminatory towards LGBTQ+ people. Some interpreted this behavior as a form of realpolitik, where geopolitical objectives or strategic alliances outweigh the defense of universal human rights. Others suggested that LFI might be attempting a more diplomatic approach, hoping to influence Pastef from within or through discreet dialogue, rather than a public confrontation that would risk derailing any cooperation. However, no public statement from LFI has clearly articulated a strategy in this regard, leaving doubts about the French party’s true position in the face of this contradiction. Discussions focused on topics such as the reform of international financial institutions, the debt of southern countries, and economic cooperation, seemingly relegating societal issues to the background, at least in the public sphere of exchanges.

Reactions and criticisms

The “pas de deux” between LFI and Pastef did not go unnoticed and sparked various reactions. In France, LGBTQ+ rights organizations and activists expressed their disappointment and concern. They challenged LFI, reminding it of its commitments and emphasizing the importance of defending human rights without distinction of borders. Press articles and editorials also criticized what they perceived as a double standard or a form of complacency.

A debate on political consistency

Political figures from other French parties also took the opportunity to point out what they considered an ideological inconsistency on the part of LFI. They raised the question of the credibility of LFI’s commitment to human rights when it associates with parties whose positions are in direct opposition to these principles. In Senegal, the situation was observed with a mixture of curiosity and indifference by the general public, but it caused concern within local LGBTQ+ communities and their rare supporters. The latter fear that such international alliances, if not accompanied by strong pressure for human rights, might indirectly legitimize the repression they suffer. Academics and political analysts also contributed to the debate, highlighting the complexity of international relations and the difficulty for political parties to maintain a pure ideological line in the face of the imperatives of realpolitik. LFI’s silence or caution on the issue was interpreted by some as a tacit recognition of local political realities, while others saw it as a moral capitulation. No official statement from Pastef directly addressed the issue of LGBTQ+ rights in connection with this alliance, the party preferring to focus on the economic and sovereignty aspects of its program.

Implications for LGBTQ+ rights in Senegal

The implications of this political interaction for the rights of LGBTQ+ people in Senegal are complex and uncertain. On the one hand, the absence of a firm position from LFI on the issue could be perceived as a negative signal, reinforcing the idea that LGBTQ+ rights are a secondary concern or a purely Western issue, irrelevant to international political alliances. This could potentially discourage local activists and lend credence to conservative discourses that oppose any legislative evolution.

A risk of legitimizing discrimination

Observers fear that such alliances, if not accompanied by a clear insistence on respect for universal human rights, may contribute to normalizing existing discriminations. On the other hand, some might argue that a dialogue approach, even if perceived as a short-term compromise, could in the long term open avenues for communication and influence. However, without explicit and transparent commitment, this perspective remains speculative. For now, the situation of LGBTQ+ people in Senegal remains precarious, and international political developments such as this are scrutinized with anxiety by those fighting for more justice and security. Experts have stressed that the real impact will only be measurable in the long term, by observing whether this alliance leads to concrete changes, or whether it remains a political maneuver without positive effect on marginalized populations. The Senegalese LGBTQ+ community continues to face daily challenges, and international political alliances, whether silent or vocal about their rights, are one more factor in an already complex environment.

The role of international political parties regarding human rights

This episode between LFI and Pastef highlights a recurring dilemma for political parties and governments globally: how to reconcile the imperatives of diplomacy and strategic alliances with the defense of universal human rights? There is no simple answer, and approaches vary considerably.

Navigating between principles and pragmatism

Some advocate an uncompromising approach, arguing that human rights are non-negotiable and must be defended in all circumstances, even if it means sacrificing alliance opportunities. Others favor a more pragmatic strategy, believing that continuous dialogue, even with partners holding divergent positions, is more effective in bringing about long-term change than isolation or confrontation. This latter approach, however, is often criticized for the risk of legitimizing oppressive regimes or practices. The case of LFI and Pastef illustrates the tension between these two philosophies. It raises the question of whether an international political party has a moral duty to condition its alliances on an alignment with human rights, or whether it can legitimately prioritize other political objectives. The complexity also lies in the cultural perception of human rights, which can be interpreted differently depending on national and religious contexts. This debate is far from over and will continue to shape international relations, with direct consequences on the lives of the most vulnerable people. The international community, including non-governmental organizations, plays a crucial role in maintaining pressure and documenting violations, so that realpolitik does not come at the expense of fundamental principles of dignity and equality.

The rapprochement between La France Insoumise and the Senegalese Pastef, which occurred in October 2026, highlighted the inherent challenges in forming international political alliances when deep divergences exist on fundamental human rights issues. While cooperation objectives on themes such as sovereignty and anti-imperialism may seem laudable, LFI’s silence or caution on the criminalization of homosexuality in Senegal has raised important questions about the consistency of its principles. The long-term impact of this “pas de deux” on the situation of LGBTQ+ people in Senegal remains to be seen, but it underscores the importance of constant vigilance and a clear commitment to human rights, regardless of borders and political considerations.

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