Mali arrests generals and French national over alleged coup attempt

Saturday 16 August 2025 - 13:30

Mali’s transitional authorities have announced the arrest of several military officers and civilians accused of plotting to destabilize the country. Among those detained are two Malian generals and a French national identified as Yann Vezilier.

Security Minister Gen. Daouda Aly Mohammedine confirmed the arrests on state television, stating that “the situation is under control” and that an investigation is ongoing. Photos of eleven suspects were broadcast, including Gen. Abass Dembélé, a former governor of Mopti who had previously called for inquiries into alleged military abuses, and Gen. Néma Sagara, praised for her past role in combating armed groups.

The government alleges that the French national acted on behalf of French intelligence to mobilize political and military actors against the junta. France has not yet commented on the case.

Analysts suggest the arrests may be more about silencing dissent than thwarting a genuine coup, as Mali’s rulers have increasingly cracked down on journalists, opposition figures, and civil society since coming to power after back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021.

Mali, along with Burkina Faso and Niger, continues to battle jihadist insurgencies despite shifting alliances, having expelled French troops in 2022 and turned to Russia for security assistance. However, violence has surged in recent months, raising further concerns about stability in the region.