Mali frees 82 soldiers held by militants, pardons French embassy official

Mali says 82 soldiers held captive since deadly attacks in April have been freed by armed groups, in a rare breakthrough as the country battles jihadist and rebel insurgencies. The junta also pardoned a French embassy official accused of spying and ordered his expulsion.

Separatists in northern Mali have released 82 soldiers, including some captured during a nationwide attack on government forces in April

The release of Yann Vezilier, who had been officially accredited by the Malian authorities as an officer of France's foreign intelligence agency, follows several months of diplomatic negotiations.

The release of Yann Vezilier, who had been officially accredited by the Malian authorities as an officer of France's foreign intelligence agency, follows several months of diplomatic negotiations.

France is yet to comment on Yann Vezilier's pardon and previously called the accusations "unfounded".

Mali separatists release 82 soldiers, including some held since a major attack in April  Toronto Star

Separatists in northern Mali have released 82 soldiers, including some captured during a nationwide attack on government forces in April

BAMAKO, Aug 13 - Mali President Assimi Goita has pardoned a French man who was sentenced in June to 20 years in prison for his alleged involvement in a plot to destabilize the country, an official statement said on Thursday.

A French ​national sentenced ​in Mali to 20 years in prison ​has ‌been pardoned ⁠by the West ‌African country's President Assimi Goïta, ⁠an official statement showed on Thursday. Yann ​Vézilier, an official from the French embassy, was ‌accused by Mali's military-led government of involvement ‌in a plot ​to destabilise