The correctional court in Dakar has once again postponed its final ruling in the high-profile case involving the alleged falsification of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s signature, with Khardiata Tandian as the central figure. The judgment, originally anticipated on Thursday, July 9, 2026, has now been rescheduled for July 23, 2026.

This latest adjournment by the court was prompted by the absence of Cherif Zeyni Abidin Sy, who is identified as the alleged accomplice of the defendant in this ongoing legal battle.

Furthermore, the court rejected the plea for provisional release submitted on behalf of Ms. Tandian. Her defense attorney argued vehemently that his client met all necessary criteria for such a measure. “She has been held in detention for over a year,” the lawyer stated. “The potential sentence she faces could very well be covered by the time she has already spent in preventive custody. She is a married woman and a mother, and her continued incarceration only serves to further deteriorate her social circumstances.”

In opposition, the prosecutor contended that granting Khardiata Tandian’s release would disrupt public order. The prosecution also maintained that the defendant failed to provide adequate assurances of her future appearance in court.

The defense countered these assertions, emphasizing that there was no risk of witness tampering or any disturbance to public order. They further highlighted that Ms. Tandian had already testified, making any distortion of the facts impossible at this stage.

Aligning with the public prosecutor’s recommendations, the court ultimately denied Khardiata Tandian’s request for provisional release. Consequently, she will remain in custody until the final deliberation, which is now scheduled for July 23, 2026.