Mali's military rulers have detained a French national, Yann Vezilier, amid accusations of his involvement in espionage aimed at destabilizing the country. During a televised announcement late Thursday, Security Minister Gen Daoud Aly Mohammedine claimed that Vezilier was acting "on behalf of the French intelligence service." Following his arrest, images were shared of Vezilier alongside several army generals who are suspected of orchestrating a coup against the military government.
The minister confirmed that the apprehended individuals included at least two generals, notably Gen Abass Dembele, recently removed from his position as governor of Mopti. Gen Mohammedine stated that the conspiracy involving "fringe elements of the Malian armed forces" has been thwarted, signaling that a thorough investigation is ongoing to uncover potential accomplices.
Political unrest has surged in Mali, which has faced a severe security crisis since 2012 due to an Islamist insurgency. Accusations against the detained military personnel include attempts to undermine the country's republican institutions with alleged foreign support.
Rising tensions have also led to the detention of former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maïga on various charges, including threats to state security. Mara has been in detention since early August, having openly criticized the current military leadership, while Maïga faces judicial repercussions.
After dissolving political parties in May, the junta, led by Gen Asimi Goïta, had promised a return to civilian rule, only to extend the transition period to 2030. The country's alliances have shifted, as Mali seeks assistance from Russian entities following a severance of ties with France, yet security conditions remain precarious with no significant improvements in combating jihadist violence in the region.
The minister confirmed that the apprehended individuals included at least two generals, notably Gen Abass Dembele, recently removed from his position as governor of Mopti. Gen Mohammedine stated that the conspiracy involving "fringe elements of the Malian armed forces" has been thwarted, signaling that a thorough investigation is ongoing to uncover potential accomplices.
Political unrest has surged in Mali, which has faced a severe security crisis since 2012 due to an Islamist insurgency. Accusations against the detained military personnel include attempts to undermine the country's republican institutions with alleged foreign support.
Rising tensions have also led to the detention of former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maïga on various charges, including threats to state security. Mara has been in detention since early August, having openly criticized the current military leadership, while Maïga faces judicial repercussions.
After dissolving political parties in May, the junta, led by Gen Asimi Goïta, had promised a return to civilian rule, only to extend the transition period to 2030. The country's alliances have shifted, as Mali seeks assistance from Russian entities following a severance of ties with France, yet security conditions remain precarious with no significant improvements in combating jihadist violence in the region.
