Mali’s military-led government has arrested two senior generals and a French national accused of involvement in a plot to destabilize the country, according to a statement from the Ministry of Territorial Administration and reports on state media.
The ministry named the French citizen as Yann Vezilier, alleging he acted on behalf of French intelligence services to mobilize political and civil society figures as well as military officers. French officials declined to comment on the arrest.
State media broadcast images of 10 others taken into custody, including General Abass Dembele, the former governor of Mopti region, and General Nema Sagara, another prominent officer.
The ministry described those detained as “a group of marginal elements” and insisted the situation was under control, though it did not specify the total number arrested.
The detentions follow reports earlier this week that more than 30 soldiers and officers had been rounded up on suspicion of attempting to undermine President Assimi Goita’s rule. Goita seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021, ending Mali’s democratic experiment and suspending elections.
Mali has faced over a decade of turmoil, with jihadist insurgencies in the north and recurring political instability. Despite promises of a return to civilian rule, Goita was granted a renewable five-year mandate in June, while political activities were suspended nationwide.
The alleged plot comes amid strained relations between Mali and France, its former colonial power. Paris withdrew its troops under pressure from Mali’s junta, which has since deepened security ties with Russia.
Meanwhile, Islamist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State continue to stage deadly attacks across Mali and its Sahel neighbours Burkina Faso and Niger.
Written By Rodney Mbua
