Mali: Two Generals, Suspected French Spy Arrested in Alleged Coup Plot

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18 hrs ago

Above: Members of the Malian Gendarmerie parade during a ceremony celebrating the army's national day, in Kati, on Jan. 20, 2022. Image copyright: Florent Vergnes/AFP/Getty Images

story last updated 10 hrs ago

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

These arrests show how the military is cracking down on dissidents to stay in power, using France as a scapegoat to divert attention from its failure to tackle real problems such as poverty and insecurity, which have plagued Mali since 2012. Prolonging the transition period and banning political parties only proves that the junta is afraid of genuine elections and public opinion. Turning away from the West and moving closer to Russia has not improved the situation for ordinary people, but only served to keep the regime alive.

Dw.Com The National

Establishment-critical narrative

The foiling of this plot protects Mali's sovereignty from foreign interference, particularly from France, which is attempting to destabilize the resource-rich country from within through spies and local collaborators to restore its lost influence across the region. The transitional government's measures ensure stability amid ongoing threats from jihadists and criminal groups, with the shift toward Russia strengthening national defense without the West. This has fueled insecurity in the country to justify its military presence.

Jacobin The Tricontinental