Falsification of Ousmane Sonko’s signature: accused remains in custody

Trial postponed in signature forgery case involving former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko

The criminal court in Dakar has rescheduled the verdict in the case of alleged signature falsification involving Khardiata Tandian, linked to former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Initially set for July 9, 2026, the ruling has been deferred to July 23, 2026, following the absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, identified as the suspected accomplice.

The presiding judge also denied the defendant’s request for provisional release. Her legal team argued unsuccessfully that she met all criteria for such a measure, emphasizing her prolonged preventive detention of over a year, her status as a married mother, and the potential for the sentence to be served during her incarceration. They warned that further detention would severely disrupt her social stability.

The prosecution strongly contested the release, asserting that Khardiata Tandian’s release could disrupt public order and that she lacked sufficient judicial guarantees. The defense countered that no witness tampering risks existed since she had already testified in court, but the tribunal sided with the prosecution’s arguments. The accused remains in custody pending the case’s resolution.