Dozens of Mali soldiers arrested over alleged coup plot against junta, sources say

Tensions Rise in Mali as Soldiers Arrested Over Alleged Coup Plot

A wave of arrests has swept through Mali, where dozens of soldiers have reportedly been detained for allegedly plotting a coup against the country’s ruling military junta. According to multiple sources, the arrests began overnight and are ongoing, revealing cracks within the military structure that currently governs the West African nation.

High-Ranking Officers Rumored, But Denials Follow

Initial reports suggested that General Abass Dembele, the former governor of the Mopti region, and General Nema Sagara, one of the few women in top military leadership, were among those detained. However, a source close to Gen Dembele told the BBC that these claims were false and that Dembele was safe and at home.

Unconfirmed Numbers and Conflicting Reports

The AFP news agency cited sources within the military and the transitional council, stating that those arrested were all soldiers and were part of a plot to overthrow the junta. A lawmaker quoted by AFP claimed there had been around 50 arrests, while another security source estimated at least 20 soldiers had been taken into custody in connection with “attempts to destabilise the institutions.”

Arrests Part of a Wider Crackdown on Dissent

The arrests come amid mounting political tension within Mali. The junta has recently begun clamping down on prominent political figures, including former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maiga, both of whom are facing legal pressure for allegedly damaging the state’s reputation and engaging in corruption.

Moussa Mara in Detention, Maiga Under Legal Threat

Moussa Mara, an outspoken critic of the military government, has been detained since August 1. Meanwhile, Choguel Maiga is facing judicial action. Their targeting is widely viewed as a message from the junta warning others against speaking out, further deepening fears of repression.

Junta Dissolves Political Parties Amid Protests

In May, following a series of rare anti-government protests, the junta dissolved all political parties, a move heavily criticized by opposition figures. Moussa Mara labeled the decision as a severe blow to the junta’s own earlier reconciliation efforts.

Power Held by Junta Leader Goïta Until at Least 2030

Mali’s military leader, General Assimi Goïta, who took control of the country through coups in 2020 and 2021, had initially promised democratic elections. However, no such elections have occurred. Instead, the junta extended the transition period by five years in July, effectively allowing Goïta to remain in power until 2030.

Jihadist Insurgency Compounds National Crisis

One of the original justifications for the military takeover was Mali’s inability to contain a jihadist insurgency that began in 2012. Yet, despite the change in leadership and increased military focus, attacks by extremist groups have only escalated, especially in the northern regions.

Break from France, Turn Toward Russia Brings Little Progress

Along with Burkina Faso and Niger, Mali has cut military ties with France and turned to Russia for support in fighting Islamist militancy. However, despite this shift in alliances, the security situation remains dire, with no significant improvements reported.

Rising Internal Threats Could Destabilize Junta Rule

The alleged coup plot and ongoing arrests suggest that the junta is facing threats not just from insurgents, but also from within its own ranks. Analysts believe the situation may escalate further unless the regime opens up political space and delivers on promises of reform and elections.

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