Mali says 82 soldiers held captive since April have been freed by armed groups, while the military government has also pardoned and expelled a French embassy official accused of spying.
Soldiers released
Mali’s army said the 82 soldiers were released after being held by armed groups linked to al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM and the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front.
The soldiers were captured following coordinated attacks on military positions across the country on 25 April.
Deadly April attacks
The April attacks targeted several military sites, including the main airport, and resulted in the death of Mali’s defence minister.
The army said the soldiers’ release followed careful planning and coordinated efforts to secure their freedom.
JNIM and the Azawad Liberation Front had claimed responsibility for the attacks and later announced another wave of attacks against military positions in July.
Ongoing insurgency
Mali has faced an Islamist insurgency since 2012, with JNIM becoming increasingly powerful in recent years.
The security situation worsened after military coups in 2020 and 2021 brought the current junta to power.
The military government later expelled French and UN forces and turned to Russian military support as it sought to fight armed groups across the country.
French official pardoned
In a separate development, junta leader Assimi Goita granted a presidential pardon to a French embassy official accused of spying.
The official had been sentenced to 20 years in prison after a trial that Malian authorities said respected his defence rights.
The government said the pardon would not overturn the court’s findings but would allow the official to be immediately expelled from Mali.
Tensions with France
The decision comes amid strained relations between Mali and France following the military takeover and the withdrawal of French troops.
The release of the soldiers and the expulsion of the French official highlight the security and diplomatic challenges facing Mali as its military government seeks greater control.
