Mali – Political instability continues to grip West Africa as Mali’s ruling military junta announced the thwarting of an alleged coup attempt, leading to the arrest of several high-ranking military officers, including two generals, and a French national. The announcement has further strained already tense relations between Mali and its former colonial power, France, and raises concerns about the consolidation of power within the junta.
The Malian military government, which seized control through coups in 2020 and 2021, stated on Friday that the alleged plot aimed to destabilize the country and had the backing of a “foreign state.” The arrest of these well-regarded individuals has sparked speculation about potential internal dissent within the military ranks.
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is the detention of a French national, identified as Yann Vezilier. This accusation is likely to further inflame the already frosty relationship between Mali and France, which saw the expulsion of French troops last year as the junta increasingly turned towards Russia for security support.
The recent arrests are part of a broader crackdown that has seen numerous soldiers and civilians detained since the beginning of August.