Niger has enacted a revised penal code significantly increasing penalties for LGBTQ+ individuals. The new law criminalizes same-sex relations, potentially resulting in up to 20 years in prison for those convicted. This legislation represents a substantial hardening of stance against the LGBTQ+ community in the country. Prior to this revision, same-sex relations were already illegal, but the penalties were less severe. Human rights organizations have strongly condemned the new code, citing concerns over its discriminatory nature and potential for abuse. The move aligns Niger with a growing number of African nations enacting increasingly restrictive laws targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. The legislation’s implementation and enforcement are expected to face international scrutiny.