Dakar court postpones verdict on signature forgery case involving Ousmane Sonko

The Criminal Court of Dakar has deferred its ruling in the signature forgery case linked to former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, involving Khardiata Tandian, until 23 July 2026. The decision, initially scheduled for 9 July 2026, was postponed due to the absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as the alleged accomplice of the defendant.

During the hearing, the defense argued vigorously for the release of the accused, emphasizing her prolonged pretrial detention of over a year. They highlighted her status as a married woman and mother of a young child, as well as the possibility that her time already spent in custody could cover any potential sentence. The defense also warned that prolonging her detention would severely disrupt her personal and family life.

However, the prosecution strongly contested the request for provisional freedom. They contended that granting Khardiata Tandian’s release would pose a threat to public order and that she did not provide sufficient guarantees of appearing for future court dates. Despite the defense’s counterargument that no witness intimidation risk existed, as the defendant had already testified in court, the tribunal ultimately sided with the prosecution’s stance.

As a result, Khardiata Tandian remains in custody until the next hearing, where the court will deliver its final verdict.