The Dakar court of appeals has postponed the hearing in the case of fake signature of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, involving Khardiata Tandian, to July 23, 2026. The trial was initially scheduled for July 9, 2026, but it was delayed due to the absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, who is presumed to be her accomplice, according to Les Echos.
Meanwhile, the court rejected Khardiata Tandian’s request for provisional release. Her lawyer argued that she met all the necessary conditions to be granted such a measure, citing that she has been in pre-trial detention for over a year, is married and has a child. The defense also claimed that the prison sentence could already cover this period of detention and that extending her imprisonment would severely worsen her social situation.
The prosecutor vehemently opposed this request, arguing that Khardiata Tandian’s release would disrupt public order and that she did not present sufficient guarantees for representation in court. Despite the defense’s argument that there was no risk of pressure on witnesses since the accused had already testified at the bar, the tribunal sided with the prosecution. As a result, Khardiata Tandian remains in detention pending the outcome of the case.