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

The court also rejected Khardiata Tandian’s request for provisional release. Her legal team argued that their client met all the necessary conditions for such a measure, emphasizing her prolonged pre-trial detention exceeding a year, her married status, and her responsibility as a mother. They further contended that the time already served could potentially cover any future sentence, and prolonging her incarceration would severely disrupt her social and family life.

The prosecution strongly opposed her release, asserting that Khardiata Tandian’s freedom would pose a public order risk and that she could not guarantee her presence during future court proceedings. Despite the defense’s counterargument that no risk of witness intimidation existed—given that the defendant had already testified before the court—the tribunal sided with the prosecution’s stance. Khardiata Tandian remains in custody pending the final resolution of the case.