Mali's military junta has made headlines by arresting a French national, Yann Vezilier, who is suspected of spying on behalf of France. The junta claims that Vezilier was involved in efforts to destabilize the West African nation, as confirmed during a televised address by Mali's Security Minister, Gen Daoud Aly Mohammedine. Vezilier has not yet commented on the allegations.
The allegations come amidst an environment of heightened political tension in Mali, particularly as the military government deals with a security crisis stemming from ongoing Islamist insurgencies since 2012. The junta has confirmed that the conspiracy was thwarted with arrests, which included two high-ranking army generals and numerous soldiers, as part of a broader investigation.
Gen Mohammedine indicated that certain elements within Mali’s armed security forces had conspired to "destabilize the institutions of the republic", with the alleged assistance of foreign states, alluding to foreign involvement in the planning efforts. The minister specifically mentioned Vezilier's connection to the French intelligence services, stating that he collaborated with local political figures and military personnel.
In the wake of rising tension, political figures, including former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maïga, have faced arrests, further complicating the political landscape. Mara has been in custody since early August after publicly criticizing the military authority, while Maïga is under scrutiny for alleged corruption.
Mali's tumultuous political climate is mirrored by past military coups in 2020 and 2021, leading to broken promises for democratic elections. The junta has shifted its alliances, increasingly relying on Russian support to tackle the jihadist threat, following a rift with France. Despite these efforts, improvements in national security remain elusive.
With Mali straddling a path of military governance and public discontent, further developments are expected as the investigation unfolds.
