Mali court sentences French national to 20 years

A court in Mali has sentenced a French national to 20 years in prison for allegedly undermining state security, a case that marks a significant escalation in the deteriorating diplomatic relations between the West African nation and France. The individual, identified as Yann V., was convicted by a special judicial unit for terrorism and cross-border crime in Bamako on Thursday.

The court also imposed a fine and a 20-year ban on entering Mali. The individual had been detained since his arrest in August 2025 by Malian state intelligence services. At the time, authorities accused him of working for France's foreign intelligence service, the DGSE, and of participating in a destabilization attempt against the military junta led by General Assimi Goïta. Malian officials stated he was detained alongside several Malian military personnel who were allegedly plotting against the government.

The French government has forcefully rejected the charges. In a statement, the French foreign ministry described the legal proceedings as involving baseless accusations. The ministry stated the official was carrying out a security cooperation mission and that France has not participated, directly or...