French DGSE agent freed in Mali after Moroccan mediation

Through Moroccan mediation, Yann Vézilier, an officer with France’s foreign intelligence agency, the DGSE, has been released. He had been sentenced in June to 20 years in prison for actions against Mali’s state security.

As reported by French media, including Le Monde and Jeune Afrique, Malian President Assimi Goïta granted the French national a pardon on Thursday, August 13, following Morocco’s intervention.

This development follows the July 24 visit to Bamako by Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates. Bourita met with President Assimi Goïta during a session of the Morocco-Mali High Joint Commission in the Malian capital.

Morocco continues to assert its mediating role in sensitive matters involving French nationals in the Sahel region. Back in December 2024, King Mohammed VI played a crucial part in the release of four French nationals detained in Burkina Faso, who were suspected of being intelligence agents.

This latest success cements Morocco’s reputation as a key diplomatic player, adept at facilitating dialogue and resolving delicate issues between France and Sahel nations.