Dozens of soldiers in Mali have been arrested over an alleged plot to overthrow the country’s military leadership, according to security and political sources. The arrests, which have taken place over several days and are expected to continue, come amid growing tension in the country, where jihadist insurgents are reported to be gaining ground in the north. Authorities have not publicly commented on the detentions.
Initial reports suggested that senior figures including Gen Abass Dembele, former governor of Mopti region, and Gen Nema Sagara, one of the few women in the top ranks of the army, were among those detained. However, a source close to Gen Dembele told the BBC this was untrue, adding he had just visited him at home and found him “doing well.”
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The AFP news agency quoted military and political sources as saying the detained soldiers were accused of trying to “destabilise the institutions” and topple the junta, with estimates of those held ranging from 20 to about 50. The arrests follow the detention of former Prime Minister Moussa Mara on 1 August over accusations of damaging the state’s reputation, while another former Prime Minister, Choguel Maiga, faces judicial sanctions.
Mali’s junta, led by Gen Asimi Goïta who seized power in 2020 and 2021, dissolved political parties in May after anti-government protests. The transition period was extended in July by five years, postponing elections until at least 2030. Despite the government’s partnership with Russian forces after ending ties with France, jihadist attacks that began in 2012 have continued to escalate.
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