Mali Sentences French Embassy Official to 20 Years Over “National Security” Spy Allegations
A court in Mali has sentenced a French embassy official to 20 years in prison after convicting him of espionage-related charges linked to alleged threats against national security.
The official, identified as Yann V., has been in detention since his arrest in August 2025 and was also fined 5,400 euros (about $6,225). In addition, he has been banned from entering Mali for two decades.
Authorities accused him of working in connection with French intelligence services and participating in activities they say were aimed at destabilising the country.
He was also linked to claims of insulting foreign states allegedly involved in efforts to undermine Mali.
His arrest in Bamako came during a broader security operation that also saw several Malian nationals detained over an alleged coup plot.
France has strongly rejected the accusations, insisting the official was performing legitimate duties as part of security cooperation efforts at the embassy.
The French foreign ministry said he had been wrongly implicated in legal proceedings based on unfounded allegations.
Paris also denied any role in destabilisation activities, stressing that its personnel were engaged only in official diplomatic and security support functions.
The verdict further deepens already strained diplomatic relations between Mali and France, which have faced repeated tensions in recent years over security cooperation and foreign military presence in the region.
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