Mali junta pardons French agent jailed for 'undermining state security'
- Mali's junta leader General Assimi Goïta has pardoned a French intelligence agent serving a 20-year prison sentence, a rare conciliatory move after years of strained relations between the west African nation and its former colonial ruler.
- Issued on: 14/08/2026 - 10:25 2 min Reading time The move comes as Mali's military authorities struggle to contain a renewed offensive by jihadist and separatist groups.
- The French agent, identified as Yann Vézilier, was arrested in August last year alongside several Malian officers who were allegedly planning a coup.
Unverified
- Mali's junta leader General Assimi Goïta has pardoned a French intelligence agent serving a 20-year prison sentence, a rare conciliatory move after years of strained relations between the west African nation and its former colonial ruler.
- Issued on: 14/08/2026 - 10:25 2 min Reading time The move comes as Mali's military authorities struggle to contain a renewed offensive by jihadist and separatist groups.
- The French agent, identified as Yann Vézilier, was arrested in August last year alongside several Malian officers who were allegedly planning a coup.
Sources: RFI