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Botswana Repeals Same-Sex Laws as Crackdown Widens in Africa

Botswana has formally repealed sections of its penal code that criminalised same-sex relations, marking a significant step forward for LGBTQ rights on the African continent.

The reform follows a landmark 2019 High Court ruling that found the laws unconstitutional. Legabibo activists claim that the amendment shows the government's commitment to human rights. The progress, however, contrasts sharply with developments in other parts of the continent.

There have been several countries that have enacted or proposed tougher anti-LGBTQ legislation, including Senegal, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Mali. Human rights groups warn that rising nationalist rhetoric and external influences are fueling crackdowns. 31 African countries still criminalise homosexuality, and some, including Uganda and Mauritania, retain the death penalty in certain cases.

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Most African countries have tough anti-gay laws.

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