In a surprising turn of events in Mali, multiple soldiers have been arrested amid allegations of a coup plot aimed at the ruling military junta.
Dozens of Soldiers Detained in Mali Over Alleged Coup Conspiracy
Dozens of Soldiers Detained in Mali Over Alleged Coup Conspiracy
Recent arrests signal rising tensions within Mali's military government as a jihadist insurgency escalates.
Overnight, authorities detained a significant number of military personnel, generating concern about the stability of the current regime led by Gen Asimi Goïta, who has been in power since two successive coups in 2020 and 2021. Sources indicate that these arrests, which are expected to grow, reflect underlying discord within the military establishment, exacerbated by a deteriorating security situation linked to a persistent jihadist threat in northern regions.
While the governing authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the arrests, reports suggest that high-ranking officers were implicated. Initially, it was believed that Gen Abass Dembele, the previous governor of Mopti, and Gen Nema Sagara, a prominent female figure within the military hierarchy, had been detained. However, close contacts of Gen Dembele disputed this claim, affirming that he remains free and in good health.
According to various military sources, the round-up involved roughly 50 soldiers, with a security insider acknowledging at least 20 arrests were made in connection with alleged plans to destabilize the government. An unnamed member of the National Transition Council indicated that the detained individuals were actively seeking to overthrow the junta, highlighting the military's growing unease amid criticism of its governance.
The arrests come in a tense political climate, marked by the junta's recent suppression of former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maiga, both accused of damaging the state's reputation and corruption. Particularly outspoken against the junta, Mara has been imprisoned since early August as the government faces backlash for delaying promised elections, initially scheduled for last year.
Despite holding control over the nation, Gen Goïta's regime faces ongoing challenges with jihadist violence, dating back to 2012. The junta has sought help from Russian allies, particularly after distancing itself from France, though there remain substantial concerns about the effectiveness of any security measures implemented. The situation in Mali continues to evolve, leaving many to speculate on the implications of these events for the country's future stability and governance.
While the governing authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the arrests, reports suggest that high-ranking officers were implicated. Initially, it was believed that Gen Abass Dembele, the previous governor of Mopti, and Gen Nema Sagara, a prominent female figure within the military hierarchy, had been detained. However, close contacts of Gen Dembele disputed this claim, affirming that he remains free and in good health.
According to various military sources, the round-up involved roughly 50 soldiers, with a security insider acknowledging at least 20 arrests were made in connection with alleged plans to destabilize the government. An unnamed member of the National Transition Council indicated that the detained individuals were actively seeking to overthrow the junta, highlighting the military's growing unease amid criticism of its governance.
The arrests come in a tense political climate, marked by the junta's recent suppression of former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maiga, both accused of damaging the state's reputation and corruption. Particularly outspoken against the junta, Mara has been imprisoned since early August as the government faces backlash for delaying promised elections, initially scheduled for last year.
Despite holding control over the nation, Gen Goïta's regime faces ongoing challenges with jihadist violence, dating back to 2012. The junta has sought help from Russian allies, particularly after distancing itself from France, though there remain substantial concerns about the effectiveness of any security measures implemented. The situation in Mali continues to evolve, leaving many to speculate on the implications of these events for the country's future stability and governance.
