The Government of Pedro Sánchez was once again at the center of the controversy. Spain will allocate more than 180 million euros to Senegal in a new cooperation agreement, despite the fact that that country has just tightened its laws against homosexuality
.The decision reopens the debate on the coherence of Spanish foreign policy.
A million-dollar agreement in the midst of controversy The
Executive signed a new Country Partnership Framework for the period 2026-2030. The amount far exceeds 128 million euros in the previous agreement.
The agreement was sealed during the official visit of the Senegalese president, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, to Spain.
The Foreign Ministry, headed by José Manuel Albares, justified the increase because of interest in strengthening the bilateral relationship.
Senegal toughens penalties against homosexuals
The controversy arises because of the context. Just weeks before the agreement, Senegal approved a reform that doubles prison sentences for homosexuality, with sentences of up to ten
years.Economic sanctions were also increased.
This creates a strong contradiction with the discourse of the Spanish Government, which usually presents itself as a defender of human rights.
Criticism for incoherence in foreign policy The
sending of funds to a country that toughens laws against individual liberties
ignited criticism.Analysts point to a disconnect between the Government's narrative and its concrete decisions.
While promoting progressive agendas at the domestic level, the Executive finances regimes that are moving in the opposite direction.
Diplomacy, interests and double standards
The Government maintains that Senegal is a strategic partner in Africa. Cooperation aims at economic development and regional stability.
