The Malian military government has detained a French citizen, Yann Vezilier, alleging involvement in a conspiracy backed by foreign intelligence to undermine national security. The arrest follows several high-profile detentions amidst increasing political strife in the region.
French National Arrested in Mali Amid Alleged Coup Plot
French National Arrested in Mali Amid Alleged Coup Plot
Mali's military junta claims to have arrested a French spy accused of plotting to destabilize the country, amidst rising political tensions.
Mali's military leaders announced the arrest of a French citizen, Yann Vezilier, accusing him of espionage aimed at causing instability within the African nation. This information was disclosed by Security Minister Gen Daoud Aly Mohammedine during a televised address on Thursday, in which he suggested that Vezilier was acting "on behalf of the French intelligence service." As of now, Vezilier has yet to respond to these allegations.
The military junta's claims come within the broader context of a security crisis that has plagued Mali since 2012, largely due to an ongoing Islamist insurgency—an issue that has been cited as a justification for the military's recent takeover. Mohammedine suggested that Vezilier collaborated with "fringe elements of the Malian armed security forces" and that this conspiracy has been thwarted following multiple arrests, including those of two army generals linked to suspected coup activities.
Specifically, Gen Abass Dembele, a former governmental figure recently dismissed from his position, has been implicated among the many who have been detained. Reports indicate that over 55 individuals, including soldiers and civilians, have been arrested related to the alleged plot, as authorities conduct a thorough investigation to uncover further accomplices.
Political unrest has intensified in recent weeks, notably with the arrests of former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maïga, with charges ranging from damaging the state’s reputation to financial misconduct. Mara, an outspoken critic of the military regime, has been in custody since early August, while Maïga faces judicial scrutiny.
The ongoing turbulence followed the junta's disbanding of all political parties in May, a move condemned by opposition figures as a setback to reconciliation efforts. Junta leader Gen Asimi Goïta, who has been in power since consecutive coups in 2020 and 2021, has yet to fulfill promises of elections, extending the nation's transition period by five years, effectively allowing him to remain in power until at least 2030.
As Mali aligns itself with Russian allies to combat escalating jihadist threats—after severing ties with France—the anticipated improvements in security remain elusive, leaving citizens and leaders alike concerned about the future stability of the nation.
