French man arrested for espionage

Military rulers say they have arrested a French citizen on suspicion of espionage for their country in an attempt to destabilize the African nation.

In a statement read on national television at the end of Thursday, the junta claimed that Jan Veziller worked “on behalf of the French intelligence service”. Mr. Veziller has not yet commented on the charge.

His picture was also broadcast as well as a number of army generals Recently arrested for allegedly planning the overthrow of military government.

“The conspiracy was thwarted by the arrests of the participants,” said the Security Minister Mali Gen Daud Eli Mohamedin in a television address.

France, a former colonial Mali leader, also does not yet commented on the arrest of a person and allegations of destabilization.

The West African nation has been deprived of the security crisis, which has been fueled by the Islamist uprising since 2012, one of the reasons for military absorption, but the attacks of jihadist groups have continued and even increased.

In the following days, the speculation about the alleged state coup, General Mahamedin, confirmed that the “Meh Elements of the Malian Security Forces” was detained for seeking “destabilizing the institutions of the republic”.

It was said that “these soldiers and civilians” received “assistance to foreign states,” the minister said.

The Minister in Mali “On behalf of the French intelligence service, which mobilized political leaders, civil society entities and the military.”

He also confirmed the arrest of two army generals, including General Abbas Dembele, former governor of the Mopi region, who was recently dismissed.

At least 55 soldiers have been arrested so far in connection with the alleged coup attempt, AFP safety sources said.

General Mohamedin said a complete investigation was being conducted to identify “possible accomplices” and “completely under control.”

In recent weeks, political tensions have increased, in which the former Prime Ministers of the Musa Mousse and Choguel Maygie’s arrest were arrested over the accusations of the state’s reputation and theft.

Dream, a recent open critic of the military government, is imprisoned since 1 AugustAt the time, he faces lawsuits as possible.

In May, the junta dissolved all political parties after rare anti -government protests, which the dream called a serious blow to reconciliation initiated by military leaders last year.

The leader of the junta Gun Gen Assimi Goita, who seized power in 2020 and 2021, promised the election last year, but they were never held.

In July, The transition period was extended for five yearsclearing it to continue to lead the country for at least 2030.

Along with his neighbors, Niger and Burkin -fos, he sought help from Russian allies to keep jihadists’ attacks in the region after breaking ties with France – but significant security improvements.