Mali’s military government has announced the arrest of a French national suspected of spying for France in a bid to destabilize the country.
Yann Vezilier is accused of working on behalf of the French intelligence service to mobilize political leaders, civil society actors, and military personnel against the Malian government.
Alongside Vezilier, several army generals, including former Mopti region governor Gen Abass Dembele, have been detained for allegedly planning to overthrow the military government.
Security Minister Gen Daoud Aly Mohammedine revealed that at least 55 soldiers have been arrested in connection with the plot, and a full investigation is underway to identify possible accomplices.
The development comes amid rising political tension in Mali, with former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maïga recently arrested over accusations of harming the state’s reputation and embezzlement.
Mali has been grappling with a security crisis fueled by an Islamist insurgency since 2012, and the military government has enlisted the help of Russian allies to contain the jihadist attacks after breaking ties with France.
Despite this, there has been no significant improvement in security. Junta leader Gen Asimi Goïta, who seized power in 2020 and 2021, has extended the transition period by five years, allowing him to lead the country until at least 2030.
