Mali's military government recently announced the arrest of a French national, Yann Vezilier, on accusations of espionage aimed at destabilizing the country. This announcement was made by Mali's Security Minister, Gen Daoud Aly Mohammedine, during a televised address where he claimed that Vezilier was working for the French intelligence service. Vezilier has yet to respond to the allegations presented against him.
The report included images of Vezilier alongside several army generals who were apprehended in connection with an alleged coup plot against the military regime. Gen Mohammedine indicated that the conspiracy had been thwarted, leading to the detainment of numerous individuals, including fringe elements within Mali's armed forces. He stated that these civilians and soldiers had allegedly received assistance from foreign states in their destabilization efforts.
In total, at least 55 soldiers have been arrested as the authorities continue their investigations to uncover any additional accomplices. The military's recent activities follow a period of intense political instability, characterized by rising tensions and the arrests of former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maïga. Mara has been in detention since early August, criticized for his opposition to the military government, while Maïga faces accusations of corruption.
The junta, which dissolved all political parties in May, had earlier indicated a commitment to holding elections, a promise that remains unfulfilled even after extending the transition period by five years. In an effort to combat persistent jihadist violence in the region, Mali has turned to Russian allies, abruptly shifting away from its historical ties with France.
The situation remains precarious, as Mali grapples with a growing security crisis stemming from an ongoing Islamist insurgency that has plagued the nation since 2012.
