Mali's military government announced it has thwarted an alleged coup attempt involving senior army officers and a French national. The junta arrested two generals, including General Abase and General Nema Sagara, along with other military personnel and civil society figures. The French national, identified as Yann Christian Bernard Vézilier, is accused of acting on behalf of French intelligence services (DGSE) to destabilize Mali's government and institutions. Mali's transitional authorities described the plot as supported by foreign states and declared the situation under control. The French Foreign Ministry has denied the accusations, labeling them as "unfounded," and confirmed that Vézilier is an employee of the French Embassy in Bamako. France is engaged in diplomatic discussions with Mali, demanding the immediate release of its citizen, citing the Vienna Convention. The incident has heightened tensions amid shifting military alliances in the region, notably Mali's move away from France towards Russia.
Mali: French Foreign Ministry confirmed that the French national arrested for “attempting to destabilize the country” is an employee of its embassy in Bamako. Talks are ongoing for his immediate release under the Vienna Convention.
Paris exige la « libération sans délai » du Français arrêté au Mali « sans fondement », selon le Quai d’Orsay https://t.co/lnZQcgwc4g
Français arrêté au Mali : Paris exige sa "libération sans délai" https://t.co/9us8ZoprAY