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Security sources in Mali have revealed that dozens of soldiers have been detained on suspicion of planning to overthrow the country’s ruling military junta. The arrests, which reportedly began several days ago and continued overnight, point to deepening rifts within the armed forces amid mounting security and political challenges.
According to military and political insiders, those detained are accused of attempting to destabilize state institutions and remove the current leadership. While exact figures vary, one member of Mali’s transitional council suggested that roughly 50 individuals have been taken into custody, while other sources placed the number at more than 20.
Conflicting Reports on Senior Military Figures
Early speculation suggested that General Abass Dembele, a former governor of the Mopti region, and General Nema Sagara, one of the few women to serve at the highest ranks of Mali’s army, were among those arrested. However, a source close to Gen. Dembele refuted the claim, stating that the general was “doing well” and had not been detained.
French news agency AFP cited multiple sources indicating that all those held were soldiers with the alleged objective of ousting the junta. Mali’s authorities have yet to issue any official statement on the matter.
Political Crackdown Adds to Tensions
The reported arrests come during a period of heightened political unrest. The junta has intensified its crackdown on opposition figures, including former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maiga. Mara, a vocal critic of the military leadership, has been in custody since August 1 on charges of damaging the state’s reputation. Maiga, meanwhile, faces accusations of embezzlement and other judicial measures.
These actions follow the junta’s controversial move in May to dissolve all political parties, a decision made after rare anti-government protests. Critics, including Mara, have argued that the dissolution severely undermines reconciliation efforts launched by the military leaders last year.
A Prolonged Transition and Security Crisis
The current junta leader, General Assimi Goïta, seized power in two separate coups in 2020 and 2021. Although he initially pledged to hold elections, no polls have taken place. In July, the transition period was extended by five years, meaning he could remain in power until at least 2030.
One of the junta’s primary justifications for taking control was the fight against Islamist insurgents who have plagued Mali since 2012. Despite shifting alliances, cutting ties with France and securing Russian support alongside neighbors Niger and Burkina Faso, security conditions have not significantly improved. In fact, jihadist activity in northern Mali has reportedly been increasing.
Conclusion
The alleged coup plot arrests underline the fragile state of Mali’s political and security landscape. With internal military divisions, ongoing insurgent threats, and mounting public dissatisfaction, the junta faces mounting challenges to its authority. As the political transition stretches further into the future and armed conflict persists, Mali’s path toward stability remains uncertain.
Source: BBC Africa