Mali’s government says it has detained a French national accused of spying for France in an alleged attempt to destabilize the country.
Security Minister Gen. Daoud Aly Mohammedine announced the arrest of Yann Vezilier in a televised statement late Thursday, claiming he was acting on instructions from French intelligence. His image was shown alongside senior military officers recently detained for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government.
Authorities say more than 50 people, including two generals—among them former Mopti region governor Gen. Abass Dembele—are in custody over the suspected coup attempt. The minister alleged that the French national helped mobilize political figures, civil society members, and military personnel in the operation.
France, Mali’s former colonial ruler, has not yet responded to the accusations. Relations between Bamako and Paris have been strained since Mali ended military cooperation with France and turned to Russian partners for security assistance.
The arrests come amid heightened political tensions, including the detention of former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maïga on separate charges. In July, the government extended its transitional period by five years, delaying elections until at least 2030.
Despite pledges to restore stability, Mali continues to face a persistent insurgency that began in 2012 and has intensified in recent years.