The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the arrest of French embassy employee Yann Vezilier by Malian authorities on charges of plotting a coup, describing the allegations as “unfounded”.
The ministry stated that it is engaged in discussions with Bamako to “clear up any misunderstanding” and secure Vezilier’s immediate release.
Vezilier was arrested alongside two generals and other military personnel in recent weeks.
According to Mali’s security minister, General Daoud Aly Mohammedine, Vezilier allegedly worked for French intelligence services, mobilizing “political leaders, civil society actors, and military personnel” to destabilize the country.
Mohammedine announced that a full investigation into the alleged plot, which reportedly began on August 1, is underway and claimed that “the situation is completely under control”.
The arrest marks a new low in relations between Paris and Bamako, which have deteriorated since soldiers seized power in Mali nearly four years ago.
The military government, led by President Assimi Goita, has distanced itself from Western partners, particularly former colonial power France, expelling its troops and seeking security assistance from Russia instead.
Mali has been grappling with a security crisis since 2012, fueled by violence from groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the ISIL group, as well as local criminal gangs.
In June, Goita was granted an additional five-year term in power, despite earlier promises to return to civilian rule by March 2024. This move followed the military’s dissolution of political parties in May.
The arrest of Yann Vezilier has further strained the already deteriorating relationship between France and Mali.
Since soldiers seized power in Mali nearly four years ago, the military government, led by President Assimi Goita, has distanced itself from Western partners, particularly former colonial power France, expelling its troops and seeking security assistance from Russia instead.
This shift in allegiance has significant implications for regional stability and security, with Mali’s decision to break defense accords with France marking a notable turning point in their relations.
The complex history between Mali and France, dating back to colonial times, continues to influence their current dynamic, with Mali seeking to assert its sovereignty and France struggling to maintain its influence in the region.