Falsification of ousmane sonko’s signature: accused held in custody until 2026

The Dakar Criminal Court has deferred its 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 ruling was postponed due to the absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as the suspected accomplice in the case.

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

The prosecution strongly contested the release, asserting that granting it would pose a risk to public order and that Khardiata Tandian did not provide sufficient guarantees of appearing in court when required. Despite the defense’s counterargument that there was no risk of witness intimidation—given that the accused had already testified—the court sided with the prosecution’s stance. As a result, Khardiata Tandian remains in custody pending the final resolution of the case.