The Dakar Correctional Court has once again delayed the verdict in the case involving the falsification of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s signature, this time pushing it to July 23, 2026. Initially scheduled for July 9, the postponement stems from the absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as the alleged accomplice of the defendant, Khardiata Tandian.
In a separate ruling, the court denied Tandian’s request for provisional release despite her legal team’s arguments. Her lawyer emphasized her prolonged pre-trial detention—exceeding a year—her status as a married mother, and the fact that any potential sentence could already be partially served. The defense also warned that further incarceration would severely disrupt her social and family life.
Prosecutors countered these claims, asserting that granting Tandian’s release would pose a threat to public order and that she did not provide adequate assurances of appearing in court. Although the defense insisted there was no risk of witness intimidation—since Tandian had already testified—the tribunal sided with the prosecution’s stance. As a result, Khardiata Tandian remains in custody pending the final resolution of the case.
