Niger arrests up to 40 people for homosexuality under new penal code

Niger’s new penal code, introduced earlier this year, has triggered a wave of arrests for homosexuality, with local media reporting that as many as 40 people have been detained and 16 men, including senior military officers, are now in prison. The crackdown has been described by observers as a “witch‑hunt” that has created a toxic climate for LGBTQ+ individuals, raising concerns about human rights violations and the potential for increased stigma and discrimination.

Concurrently, public health officials warn that the loss of access to pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drugs could spur a resurgence of HIV/AIDS in the region. The cessation of PrEP distribution, coupled with the heightened fear and marginalization of sexual minorities, may drive higher rates of new infections, especially among populations already at risk. Health agencies are calling for urgent measures to restore PrEP availability and to protect the rights and health of vulnerable groups.

The dual crises—legal persecution of LGBTQ+ people and a looming HIV/AIDS threat—highlight the urgent need for coordinated policy responses that address both human rights and public health. Governments and international partners are urged to engage with local stakeholders to ensure that legal reforms do not compromise essential health services and to safeguard the wellbeing of all citizens.