Khardiata Tandian remains jailed as Sonko signature forgery case postponed again

Dakar court delays ruling in forged signature case involving opposition leader Ousmane Sonko

The Senegalese justice system has once again deferred a verdict in the high-profile case involving the alleged falsification of opposition figure Ousmane Sonko‘s signature. Khardiata Tandian, accused in the matter, remains behind bars as the court adjourned the proceedings for a second time.

The Dakar Criminal Court had originally scheduled the ruling for July 9, 2026, but the judge chose to postpone the decision until July 23. This latest delay stems from the absence of a key figure in the case—Chérif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified by prosecutors as Tandian’s alleged accomplice.

The tribunal emphasized the necessity of his presence before finalizing its decision. His failure to appear during the initial hearing was cited as the primary reason for the postponement, mirroring the circumstances of the first deferral.

Defense pushes for provisional release amid prolonged detention

During this latest adjournment, Tandian’s legal team submitted a request for her provisional release. The defense argued that all procedural documents had already been filed, rendering her continued detention unnecessary for the case’s integrity. They further contended that no risk of witness tampering or procedural interference existed, given that Tandian had already been questioned by the court.

The defense also highlighted the over one-year period Tandian has spent in custody, suggesting that any potential sentence could already be covered by her time served. Additionally, her lawyers pointed to the deteriorating social and familial conditions of their client, a married mother of one, as grounds for reconsideration.

Prosecution opposes release, citing public order concerns

The public prosecutor firmly opposed the defense’s motion, asserting that granting provisional release would pose a threat to public order. The prosecution further argued that Tandian did not meet the necessary guarantees for ensuring her continued presence throughout the trial. These objections ultimately swayed the court, which rejected the request.

With the decision now postponed to July 23, Tandian remains incarcerated pending the next hearing. The case now hinges on the appearance of Chérif Zeyni Abidin Sy, whose absence has twice obstructed the court’s ability to deliver a verdict.

Case remains unresolved as judicial proceedings stall

The court has made it clear that no definitive ruling will be issued until all implicated parties, including the alleged accomplice, have been heard. Until then, Tandian’s fate—and the outcome of the forgery allegations—remains suspended, with the next judicial milestone set for late July.