Larissa Kojoué

Larissa Kojoué is an individual associated with the LGBTQ+ community in Niger, a region currently experiencing a crackdown on homosexuality. Recent news indicates that Niger's military regime has implemented a new penal code, leading to a "witch-hunt" and the arrest of dozens of people for homosexual acts. Up to 40 individuals have been detained, with 16 men, including military officials, reportedly imprisoned. This situation is particularly relevant as it follows Senegal's recent approval of a tougher anti-gay law, which doubles prison sentences for same-sex acts and criminalizes the "promotion" of homosexuality. The arrests and new legislation in both countries highlight a concerning trend of increasing persecution and criminalization of LGBTQ+ individuals in West Africa, raising significant human rights concerns among advocacy groups.