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Africa · Foreign Aid · Investment Risk · LGBT Rights
Lawmakers from 18 African nations approved a charter to enact tougher anti-LGBT laws and withdraw from treaties promoting LGBT rights, abortion, or non-abstinence sex education, following a conference in Ghana from June 3–6.
This shift, encouraged by conservative US and European figures, gains momentum with Donald Trump's return to the White House, as his administration does not promote LGBT rights in its foreign policy. More than half of Africa's 54 countries already criminalize same-sex acts, with Uganda and Senegal recently criminalizing LGBT "promotion." The World Bank suspended funding to Uganda over its anti-gay law, demonstrating direct financial repercussions.
Ghana's parliament passed a stringent anti-LGBT bill, now awaiting President John Dramani Mahama's sign-off, despite a coalition of over 100 African civil society groups urging rejection. Health officials report public health implications, including fewer HIV patients visiting treatment centers in Senegal amid arrests.
The US State Department confirms its foreign assistance avoids "divisive social and gender issues," a stance welcomed by some African lawmakers.