The Correctional Court in Dakar has postponed its verdict in the case involving the alleged forgery of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s signature, involving Khardiata Tandian. Initially scheduled for July 9, 2026, the decision has been deferred until July 23, 2026. The delay stems from the absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, who is accused of collaborating with the defendant in the case.
The court also rejected Khardiata Tandian’s request for provisional release. Her legal team argued that she meets all the criteria for such a measure, citing her prolonged pre-trial detention of over a year, her status as a married woman, and mother of a young child. They further contended that the time already served could potentially cover any future sentence, and that further imprisonment would severely disrupt her family and social life.
However, the prosecution firmly opposed her release, asserting that granting it would pose a public safety risk and that she did not provide sufficient assurances to ensure her presence at future hearings. Despite the defense’s counterargument that there was no risk of witness intimidation—since the defendant had already testified—the court sided with the prosecution’s stance. As a result, Khardiata Tandian remains in custody pending the final ruling.