Khardiata Tandian remains behind bars as the court once again postpones its decision in the high-profile case involving the alleged falsification of Ousmane Sonko’s signature. The Dakar Criminal Court had been set to deliver its ruling on July 9, 2026, but the judge opted for another delay, pushing the verdict to July 23.
The second postponement follows the same reasoning as the first: the court needs to hear from another individual cited in the proceedings. This person, identified as Chérif Zeyni Abidin Sy and described as Tandian’s alleged accomplice, was absent during the trial and must now be brought before the tribunal before a final decision can be reached.
Absence of alleged accomplice delays justice
The court’s insistence on securing the presence of the second defendant has kept the case—and Tandian’s detention—on hold. Legal experts note that without Chérif Zeyni Abidin Sy’s testimony, the tribunal cannot fully assess the evidence or reach a conclusive verdict. The delay underscores the procedural hurdles the case has faced since its inception.
Defense pushes for provisional release amid prolonged detention
In the wake of the latest adjournment, Tandian’s legal team filed a motion for her provisional release. The defense argued that their client meets all legal criteria for such a measure, citing the completion of all procedural steps, including the submission of all case files. They also emphasized that Tandian’s continued detention no longer serves the interests of justice, as no risk of witness tampering or evidence tampering exists.
The defense further highlighted Tandian’s personal circumstances, describing her as a married mother of one whose prolonged incarceration has taken a toll on her family and social standing. They contended that the time she has already spent in prison could effectively cover any potential sentence, making further detention unnecessary.
Prosecution opposes release, citing public order concerns
The public prosecutor, however, strongly opposed the motion. The prosecution argued that granting Tandian’s release would pose a threat to public order and that she does not provide sufficient guarantees to ensure her appearance in court until the case concludes. The tribunal ultimately sided with the prosecution, rejecting the defense’s request.
Tandian’s legal team has vowed to continue advocating for her release, but for now, she remains in custody as the court prepares for the next hearing on July 23. The case’s outcome now hinges on the presence of Chérif Zeyni Abidin Sy, whose absence has already disrupted the judicial process twice.
What’s next for the falsification case?
With the verdict deferred for a second time, the focus shifts to the upcoming hearing, where the tribunal will finally hear from the missing defendant. If Chérif Zeyni Abidin Sy appears as scheduled, the court may proceed to deliver a ruling. Until then, Tandian’s fate—and the resolution of the case—remains uncertain.
