# Mali junta pardons French spy in rare conciliatory gesture

2026-08-13T23:40:56+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Mali’s junta chief, General Assimi Goita, has pardoned a French intelligence agent sentenced to 20 years for espionage, ordering his immediate removal from the country. The decision, announced on Thursday, comes as Mali’s military faces a major jihadist and separatist offensive launched in April. France had called the charges baseless and said the agent was on a security cooperation mission. Morocco is reported to have helped broker the pardon.

## Coverage

- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/in-gesture-to-paris-mali-pardons-convicted-french-agent-101786646675555.html>

Tags: France, jihadist offensive, Mali, pardon, spy, West Africa
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