Mali’s political drama has taken another tense turn as the military-led government detains two top generals and a French citizen over what it calls a coup plot. The junta says the arrests were necessary to stop an attempt to destabilise the country — but the move is already fueling fresh friction with France.
The Ministry of Territorial Administration revealed that French national Yann Vezilier is accused of working with French intelligence to recruit political, civil society, and military figures against President General Assimi Goita’s rule. State TV has aired footage of 10 others picked up, including General Abass Dembele, ex-governor of Mopti, and General Nema Sagara. Although officials didn’t release the full headcount, security sources say more than 30 soldiers and officials have been held in recent days.
This is unfolding in a country already on edge. Mali has been under military rule since back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021 brought Goita to power. Relations with France have collapsed since then, with Paris pulling its troops out of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger after pressure from their juntas. Mali has now shifted its military partnership to Russia — a move reshaping West Africa’s security map.
Yet, for all the bold promises, Mali’s security crisis is far from over. Attacks by al-Qaeda-linked militants have actually intensified in recent months. Instead of elections, the junta in June granted Goita a five-year renewable term and suspended political activities nationwide, leaving many wondering when — or if — civilian rule will return. For now, Bamako says stability is the priority, but the roadmap to democracy remains blurry.
