Africa Is Divided on LGBTQ Laws

Across Africa, governments are taking very different approaches to LGBTQ issues.

Niger recently introduced new laws criminalising same-sex relationships, and reports say authorities have carried out arrests under the new legal framework.

Every sovereign nation has the right to make its own laws through its constitutional process.

But every government also has a responsibility to ensure those laws do not create fear, vigilantism, or instability.

Whether a country chooses stricter laws or more liberal ones, citizens should never have to fear unlawful violence, arbitrary arrests, or mob attacks.

I believe Africa's future will be stronger when governments enforce the law fairly, protect public order, and ensure that disagreements over social issues never turn into violence.

Strong nations are built on justice—not fear.