France Protests ‘Unjustified’ Arrest of Citizen in Mali

France has entered into diplomatic discussions with Mali following the arrest of a French national accused of espionage and attempts to destabilise the country.

The French foreign ministry confirmed on Saturday that the man, an employee of the French embassy in Bamako, was detained earlier in the week. Malian authorities alleged he was working with French intelligence services to undermine the West African nation, accusing unnamed “foreign states” of plotting against the government.

Paris swiftly rejected the claims, describing them as “unjustified.”

The ministry said it was in direct talks with Mali to “clear up any misunderstanding” and secure the “immediate release” of its citizen.

The incident adds fresh strain to already tense relations between France and Mali, which have deteriorated since the 2020 military coup and Bamako’s subsequent shift towards closer ties with Russia.

Neither side has disclosed the identity of the arrested Frenchman, nor provided details of the alleged activities that led to his detention.