Mali pardons Frenchman jailed 20 years over alleged coup plot

Vezilier was said to have acted "on behalf of the French intelligence service, which mobilised political leaders, civil society actors and military personnel" in Mali, according to the minister.

Last May, the junta dissolved all political parties following rare anti-government protests, which former Prime Minister Moussa Mara described as a severe blow to reconciliation efforts initiated by the military leaders.

Goïta named himself defence minister shortly after, in an apparent attempt to consolidate his already considerable power.