The French Foreign Ministry on Saturday denied accusations against French citizen Yann Christian Bernard Vizelié, an employee at the French Embassy in Bamako, alleging his involvement in a coup attempt against Mali’s transitional president, General Assimi Goïta.
In a statement, the ministry said that “these accusations are baseless,” adding that “dialogue is ongoing with Malian authorities to clear up any misunderstandings” and to secure the “immediate release” of the diplomat.
The French response comes two days after Malian authorities announced the arrest of 11 people, including the French diplomat, accusing him of working for French intelligence and taking part in the coup plot.
Relations between France and Mali have been increasingly strained since the 2020 military coup in Mali, which ultimately led to the expulsion of French troops and the French ambassador from the country.
