Nairobi/Dakar - Nine gay men have received heavy jail sentences in Senegal for engaging in acts "against the order of nature," reports said Thursday.

Homosexual activity is illegal in the mainly Muslim West African nation and is punishable by up to five years in prison.

However, the judge handed down eight years to each man after ruling they were members of a criminal organization, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) said.

One of those sentenced was Diadji Diouf, a prominent figure who heads an organization that provides HIV prevention services to gay men.

The IGLHRC said in a statement it was deeply concerned by the sentences and was exploring options for action.

Homosexuality is illegal in many African countries and those who practice it face discrimination and sometimes violence.

The president of Senegal's tiny neighbour Gambia has been particularly outspoken and last year threatened to behead all homosexuals who did not leave his country. (dpa)