Mali says 82 soldiers held since April attacks freed

Mali's President Assimi Goïta has issued a pardon for Yann Vezilier, a French national who had been convicted of plotting to destabilize the Malian government. Vezilier was originally sentenced to 20 years in prison for his alleged role in the destabilization plot, which authorities claimed was carried out on behalf of French intelligence. Following the pardon, Vezilier is required to depart from Mali immediately.

In a separate development concerning national security and personnel, Mali's army announced on Thursday the successful liberation of 82 soldiers. These soldiers had been held captive since nationwide attacks that occurred in April. The attacks were attributed to a combination of al-Qaeda-linked militants and a rebel group operating within the country. The freeing of these soldiers represents a significant event following their capture during the April assaults.