Dakar court delays villa ownership dispute between Ousmane Sonko and Mame Mbaye Niang

The civil court in Dakar has once again postponed the high-profile dispute over a villa in the Keur Gorgui district, this time rescheduling the hearing to July 22, 2026. The case pits former Tourism Minister Mame Mbaye Niang against Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, each claiming legal ownership of the 264 m² property (lot R/17).

The legal saga began when Mame Mbaye Niang filed a civil lawsuit against Ousmane Sonko, alleging that the transfer of the villa’s lease rights to the latter’s family constitutes a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice. The plaintiff argues that this maneuver was designed to prevent the enforcement of a recent Supreme Court ruling, which awarded him 200 million CFA francs in damages—a decision Sonko’s legal team is now contesting in civil court.

According to Sonko’s defense, the disputed transfer was a routine administrative procedure, while Niang’s legal representatives insist it was an intentional act of asset concealment. The court’s latest adjournment allows both sides additional time to submit further written arguments before a final ruling is issued.