An aerial view of Bamako, Mali, April 25, 2026. AP

French diplomat in Mali sentenced to 20 years in prison for 'undermining state security'

· France 24

A Mali court has ordered a 20-year jail term against a French intelligence agent with diplomatic status for "undermining state security", judicial sources told AFP on Friday.

The sentence is a new blow to relations between the west African nation, ruled by a junta since 2021, and former colonial ruler France.

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Detained since his arrest in August 2025, the Frenchman was also hit on Thursday with a €5,400 ($6,225) fine and a 20-year ban on entering Mali, three separate court sources confirmed. 

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)