Mali’s transitional government on Thursday confirmed the arrest of several military and civilian figures accused of plotting to destabilise the country, following days of speculation.
Rumours had circulated for several days, but confirmation came during the evening news on national broadcaster ORTM, via an official government communiqué.
According to the statement, the operation, carried out on August 1 by specialised security services, “foiled” a “fringe group” within the armed and security forces suspected of preparing a destabilisation effort with alleged backing from foreign supporters.
Among those detained is Yann Christian Bernard Vezilier, a French national and Air Force mechanical officer who was awarded the French National Order of Merit in 2020 after 27 years of service. Authorities allege he was acting on behalf of French intelligence services.
Also arrested was Brigadier General Abass Dembélé, former governor of Mopti (2020–2025) and son of Colonel Koké Dembélé. Wounded in Konna in 2012, he has commanded a unit in Timbuktu and headed the Koulikoro Staff College.
Brigadier General Néma Sagara, the first woman to attain that rank in Mali’s Air Force, was likewise taken into custody. Trained in Mali, France and the United States, she has served on international missions in Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire and, since 2017, had led the Permanent Secretariat for the Fight Against the Proliferation of Small Arms.
The communiqué also named Lieutenant Colonels Baba Dembélé, Saybou Keïta, Mamadou “Tiekoro” Diarra and Tagalo Diop; Captain Mohamed Ouattara; Corporal Amadou Bouba Coulibaly; Sergeant Major Boucary Karacodjo; and Yacouba Kodio.
The government stressed that the situation is “fully under control” and that judicial investigations are continuing to identify possible accomplices. It urged the public to remain vigilant and to cooperate with security forces.
MD/ac/lb/as/APA