Mali arrests French national over alleged destabilisation plot
By Joe Udo
BAMAKO (CONVERSEER) – Mali’s transitional government has announced the dismantling of a network accused of attempting to destabilise national institutions, with multiple arrests carried out on 1st August 2025.
Interim Minister of Security and Civil Protection, Major General Daoud Aly Mohammedine, disclosed the development in a televised statement, revealing that those detained include members of the Malian armed forces, civilians, and a French national, Yann Christian Bernard Vizilier, alleged to be acting on behalf of French intelligence.
According to Mohammedine, the group’s activities were aimed at undermining Mali’s sovereignty, halting ongoing reforms, and working with the backing of foreign states.
Among those arrested are Brigadier Generals Abbas Dembélé and Nema Sagara, along with several senior officers and enlisted personnel.
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Authorities stated that judicial investigations are underway to identify additional accomplices, assuring the public that the situation is under control.
The government urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces in safeguarding national stability.
The announcement comes three years after authorities claimed to have foiled a similar coup attempt in May 2022, underscoring persistent political and security tensions in the country.
