Washington backs Mali’s Junta to fight extremists: WashPo
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Intelligence shared by Washington is reportedly aiding Malian forces as the Trump administration recalibrates policy toward the country’s military rulers.
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Leader of Mali's ruling junta Lt. Col. Assimi Goita, center, attends an independence day military parade in Bamako, Mali, on Sept. 22, 2022. (AP)
The United States has stepped up intelligence-sharing with Mali’s authoritarian military rulers in recent months, according to a report in The Washington Post citing three current and former American officials familiar with the matter.
Officials said information provided by Washington has been used in military strikes carried out by Malian forces. The move reflects a broader shift under the Trump administration toward reengaging with the junta, which has faced international isolation since seizing power in 2021.
Both US and Malian officials reportedly noted that, under Trump, a “new rule book” is emerging in bilateral relations. Washington’s approach is still evolving, US officials claimed, as policymakers attempt to “balance counterterrorism priorities with longstanding concerns over Mali’s human rights record and the risk that sensitive intelligence could be passed to Russia.”
“Mali,” one of the US officials remarked, “is a highly imperfect partner.”
Malian junta arrests generals, French national over reported coup plot
In August, the Malian junta announced the arrest of two senior Malian army generals, a French national, and several other individuals accused of plotting to destabilize the country through an attempted coup, which was foiled.
At the time, Security Minister Gen. Daouda Aly Mohammedine made the statement on national television, saying the situation was “completely under control” and that an investigation had begun.
This comes amid ongoing political tensions and follows rumours in recent days about the detention of army officers. Authorities identified the French national as Yann Vezilier, accusing him of acting “on behalf of the French intelligence service,” coordinating with political leaders, civil society figures, and military personnel in Mali.
National television broadcast images of 11 people allegedly involved in the coup plot, which authorities say began on August 1. The group includes Gen. Abass Dembélé, former governor of the central Mopti region, who was dismissed in May after demanding an investigation into alleged civilian killings by the Malian army in Diafarabé. Also detained was Gen. Néma Sagara, known for her role in fighting militants in 2012.
Read more: EU sanctions Mali junta members
