Mali’s military government has granted a presidential pardon to French national Yann Vezilier, who had been sentenced to 20 years in prison over allegations that he helped plot a coup against President Assimi Goïta. The decision is significant because it reverses a high-profile case that further strained relations between Mali and France, although the government has not explained why it changed course.

Vezilier was accused last year of acting for French intelligence with Malian generals, soldiers and civilian figures; France rejected the spying allegation as unfounded. Mali said the pardon does not overturn the court’s findings and that Vezilier will be immediately expelled, against a backdrop of worsening jihadist violence, postponed elections and Mali’s growing reliance on Russian allies after severing ties with France.