Sources indicate that dozens of soldiers have been detained for allegedly plotting to overthrow the junta, raising concerns about the military government's grip on power and its handling of jihadist threats in the north.
Mali's Military Faces Internal Turmoil Amid Coup Allegations
Mali's Military Faces Internal Turmoil Amid Coup Allegations
Recent arrests within the Malian armed forces have highlighted deepening divisions amidst ongoing political instability.
Dozens of soldiers have been arrested in Mali as part of a crackdown on an alleged coup plot against the country's ruling military junta. The arrests, which reportedly began overnight, signify escalating tensions within the armed forces, particularly in the context of a surging jihadist insurgency in the northern regions of the country. Despite the wave of detentions, authorities have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the incidents. Initial reports suggested that prominent military figures, such as Gen Abass Dembele, a former governor, and Gen Nema Sagara, a high-ranking female officer, were among those caught up in the crackdown. However, close sources have since assured that neither Dembele nor Sagara have been arrested.
According to AFP, the arrested soldiers are alleged to have been planning an uprising against the junta, with quotes from military and political sources suggesting about 50 soldiers could be implicated. Ongoing security operations have described attempts to destabilize the current institutions of power. The arrests coincide with mounting political friction prompted by the junta's recent actions against former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maiga, intensified by allegations of corruption and undermining the state. These political maneuvers have raised the level of discontent, especially after the junta disbanded all political parties in May, following rare public dissent against its rule.
Gen Asimi Goïta, the junta leader, came to power through two military coups in 2020 and 2021, promising a return to civilian rule, which has yet to materialize. The junta's transition period has now been extended by another five years, allowing Goïta to maintain control over the country until at least 2030. Meanwhile, Mali continues to grapple with a persistent Islamist insurgency, and the government has sought assistance from Russian allies following a deterioration of its relations with France. However, despite these efforts, there has been little tangible progress in stabilizing the region.
