In Mali, a Frenchman suspected of spying arrested by the junta who accuses “foreign states” of destabilization

A French national was arrested in Mali. Consequently, suspected of working “On behalf of the French intelligence services”announced the junta in mali, frenchman suspected spying arrested power, which accused, in a statement read Thursday August 14 on television, “Foreign States” to be behind an attempt at destabilization.

In her press release. For example, the junta – who came to power after two strokes of state in 2020 and 2021 – also announced “The arrest of a group of marginal elements from the Malian security armed forces”which she said was looking for “Destabilize the institutions of the Republic”.

At least 55 soldiers have been arrested. For example, according to security sources consulted by the France-Presse (AFP) agency, while the junta confirmed the arrest of two generals, Abass Dembélé and Nema Sagara. Moreover, The first is a very respected figure within the army. In addition, This former governor of the Mopti region, at the center of the country, had recently been removed from this function by the junta.

“These soldiers and civilians” would have obtained “The help of foreign states”accuses the Malian government. “Judicial inquiries continue to identify possible accomplices”he adds.

The former Prime Minister placed in police custody – Mali, frenchman suspected spying arrested

The arrests were mainly carried out within the National Guard. a Malian army body, AFP learned from security sources. It is notoriously the original body of the Minister of Defense. General Sadio Camara, one of the main figures of the junta. Several observers have noted that some of the people arrested by the authorities are close to Mr. Camara, but he mali, frenchman suspected spying arrested has not been worried to date.

Two days ago. the former Civil Prime Minister of Mali, Choguel Kokalla Maïga, and several of his former collaborators, were placed in police custody by the economic and financial pole in “The framework of surveys on their management at the Prime Minister’s Office”.

This former truck of the junta was appointed Prime Minister in 2021. before being dismissed at the end of 2024 after having made criticism against it. He had notably deplored that he was kept away from decisions on maintaining the generals who initially promised to. return mali, frenchman suspected spying arrested power to elected civilians in March 2024. No link was made between his arrest and those of the soldiers accused of wanting to overthrow power.

Political. security and economic crisis

Since 2012, Mali, a customary political disorders, has faced a deep security crisis in particular by the violence of jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaida and the Islamic State organization, as well as community criminal groups. It is added to a serious economic crisis.

This West African country is now led. by sovereignist soldiers in a context of severe restrictions on freedoms. This junta. led mali, frenchman suspected spying arrested by President Assimi Goïta, turned away from Western partners, notably from France, to turn politically and militarily to Russia.

The Malian army. its allies, the Russian mercenaries of Africa Corps, notably responsible for tracking the jihadists, are regularly accused of committing abuses against civilians.