Court delays Sonko signature case verdict in Dakar

The Dakar Criminal Court has postponed the verdict in the case involving the alleged forgery of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s signature, involving Khardiata Tandian, until July 23, 2026. Initially scheduled for July 9, 2026, the hearing was adjourned due to the absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as the alleged accomplice of the accused.

The court also denied Khardiata Tandian’s request for provisional release. Her legal team argued that she met all the necessary conditions for such a measure, emphasizing that she has been held in pre-trial detention for over a year, is married, and has a child. The defense further pointed out that the time already spent in custody could potentially cover any sentence she might face, and that further detention would severely disrupt her social life.

However, the prosecution strongly opposed her release, asserting that Khardiata Tandian’s freedom could disrupt public order and that she did not provide sufficient guarantees of appearing for trial. Although the defense countered that there was no risk of witness intimidation since the accused had already been questioned in court, the tribunal sided with the public prosecutor’s arguments. As a result, Khardiata Tandian remains in custody pending the final resolution of the case.