🇲🇱 Mali Foils Alleged Coup Plot, Arrests Two Generals and French National
Mali's transitional government has announced the arrest of several individuals accused of plotting to destabilize the country including two high-ranking Malian generals and a French national, allegedly linked to French intelligence.
According to Security Minister Gen. Daoud Aly Mohammedine, the arrests took place earlier this month and targeted "marginal elements" within the armed forces and civilian circles. Authorities say the Frenchman, identified as Yann Vezilier, allegedly worked on behalf of France's intelligence service to coordinate with political figures, civil society actors, and military personnel.
State television aired images of 11 suspects, among them Gen. Abass Dembélé a former governor who had clashed with the military over alleged civilian killings and Gen. Néma Sagara, celebrated for her role in fighting militants in 2012.
This development comes amid increased political tension in Mali, where the military seized power nearly four years ago, expelled French troops, and turned to Russia for security cooperation. Despite these changes, extremist violence linked to al-Qaida and IS has escalated.
In June, military leader Gen. Assimi Goita was granted five additional years in power, following the dissolution of political parties in May, delaying a promised return to civilian rule.
Olagunju B.F
Source: Africanews.com (with AP)
