Khardiata Tandian remains behind bars as the court continues to postpone its ruling in the high-profile case involving the alleged falsification of Ousmane Sonko’s signature. Originally scheduled for July 9, 2026, the verdict was deferred once more by the Dakar criminal court, now set for July 23.

A second delay in the proceedings

The decision to push back the verdict stems from the continued absence of a key figure in the case. The court now insists on hearing Chérif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as a presumed accomplice of Khardiata Tandian, before reaching a final decision. This marks the second postponement in the case, with the previous delay also attributed to the same procedural requirement.

Court insists on hearing all defendants before ruling

While Khardiata Tandian’s legal team had hoped for a swift resolution, the court’s insistence on securing the presence of all accused parties has once again stalled the process. The next hearing, now postponed to July 23, will only proceed if Chérif Zeyni Abidin Sy appears in person. Without his testimony, the tribunal has deemed it premature to deliver a verdict.

Defense pushes for provisional release

In a strategic move during the latest adjournment, Khardiata Tandian’s lawyer filed a request for her provisional release. The defense argued that all procedural documents had already been submitted, making continued detention unnecessary for the integrity of the case. They also emphasized that her prolonged incarceration—now exceeding a year—could effectively cover any potential sentence she might face.

The legal team further highlighted the severe social and familial consequences of her detention, describing her as a married mother whose family situation has deteriorated significantly during her time in prison.

Prosecution opposes release, citing public order concerns

The public prosecutor strongly contested the defense’s arguments, asserting that releasing Khardiata Tandian would pose a risk to public order. The prosecution also claimed that she did not meet the necessary conditions to guarantee her presence throughout the trial, leaving the court unconvinced by the defense’s reasoning.

Detention upheld as court defers verdict

After weighing the arguments, the Dakar criminal court sided with the prosecution, rejecting the request for provisional release. Khardiata Tandian will remain in custody until the next hearing on July 23, when the court will reconsider her fate—pending the arrival of her co-defendant.

For now, the case remains suspended, hinging entirely on the future appearance of Chérif Zeyni Abidin Sy. Until then, justice for the alleged forgery of Ousmane Sonko’s signature will have to wait.