In a dramatic turn of events, dozens of soldiers in Mali have been arrested over allegations of a coup plot aimed at overthrowing the military junta currently in power. The arrests, which reportedly occurred overnight, signal heightened tensions within the military ranks, especially as a jihadist insurgency continues to escalate in the northern regions of the country. Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the arrests.
Initial reports indicated key figures, such as Gen Abass Dembele and Gen Nema Sagara, were among those detained; however, a source close to Dembele confirmed he was safe at home, dispelling rumors of his arrest. According to the AFP news agency, about 50 arrests have been made, with soldiers reportedly aiming to destabilize the current government. Security sources have confirmed at least 20 of these arrests are linked to ongoing turmoil and are part of a wider crackdown on political dissent, following the detention of former Prime Ministers who criticized the junta.
The arrests reflect worsening political relations and a crackdown on dissent since the junta, led by Gen Asimi Goïta after two coups in 2020 and 2021, dissolved political parties and extended its transition period until 2030. Mali has struggled against jihadist threats since 2012, which many insiders believe were among the reasons for the military's rise in power, yet security conditions remain dire with no significant improvements in sight, prompting concerns over Mali's future stability.
