Mali’s military rulers say they have arrested a French national accused of working for his country’s intelligence service in an alleged plot to overthrow the government.
In a statement broadcast on national television late Thursday, Security Minister Gen Daoud Aly Mohammedine identified the suspect as Yann Vezilier, claiming he was acting “on behalf of the French intelligence service” to destabilise the nation. Mr Vezilier has yet to comment on the accusations, and France Mali’s former colonial power has not issued an official response.
The minister alleged that the Frenchman worked with political figures, civil society leaders, and military officers to coordinate the coup attempt. His photograph was shown on TV alongside images of several Malian generals recently detained over the same allegations. Among those arrested is Gen Abass Dembele, former governor of Mopti region, who was recently removed from his post.
Security sources told AFP that at least 55 soldiers have been arrested so far. Gen Mohammedine said the conspiracy had been foiled and “the situation is completely under control,” with investigations ongoing to identify further accomplices.
The arrests come amid growing political tension in Mali. In recent weeks, former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maïga have been detained Mara for allegedly damaging the state’s reputation and Maïga over embezzlement claims. Mara, a vocal critic of the junta, has been in custody since August 1.
Since its first military takeover in 2020, Mali has faced deepening political unrest and persistent jihadist violence, despite the junta’s promises to restore stability. The insurgency, which began in 2012, was one of the reasons cited for the coup, yet attacks have increased.
Relations between Mali and France soured after the junta expelled French troops and turned to Russian support, aligning with neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso in a regional security pact. In May, the junta dissolved all political parties after rare anti-government protests, a move seen by critics as a major setback to reconciliation efforts.
Gen Asimi Goïta, who staged coups in 2020 and 2021, postponed elections originally promised for last year. In July, the transition period was extended by five years, allowing him to remain in power until at least 2030.
The latest allegations risk further straining Mali’s fragile relations with Western powers and deepening its political isolation.
