Malian authorities have arrested dozens of soldiers accused of plotting to overthrow the country’s military led government, according to multiple sources within the army and transitional council. The arrests, which began several days ago and continued through the weekend, reflect growing internal tensions within the junta amid worsening security conditions in the north.
Among those reportedly detained is General Abass Dembele, a former governor of the Mopti region and a respected figure in the military. Soldiers allegedly arrived at his residence in Kati, near the capital Bamako, early Sunday morning. Another high-ranking officer, Brigadier General Nema Sagara one of the few women in Mali’s military leadership was also said to be among those arrested.
However, conflicting reports emerged, with a source close to Gen. Dembele said that he had not been arrested and was “doing well.”
The arrests are linked to what officials describe as an attempt to “destabilize the institutions.” A member of the National Transition Council stated that around 50 soldiers were involved in the alleged plot, while a security source confirmed at least 20 arrests. “All are soldiers. Their objective was to overthrow the junta,” the council member said.
The crackdown comes amid heightened political unrest. Former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maiga have faced legal action Mara has been detained since August 1 on charges of defaming the state, while Maiga is under judicial investigation for alleged embezzlement.
In May, the junta dissolved all political parties following rare anti-government protests, a move critics say undermines national reconciliation efforts. The military government, led by General Assimi Goïta, seized power through coups in 2020 and 2021 and recently extended its transitional mandate by five years, delaying promised elections until at least 2030.
Despite pledges to restore stability, Mali continues to face a persistent jihadist insurgency. Attacks by groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State have intensified, especially in the northern regions. The junta has turned to Russian paramilitary forces for support after severing ties with France, but security conditions remain dire.
Observers say the recent arrests signal deepening fractures within the military itself. “There are grumblings within the army’s ranks,” said Malian sociologist Oumar Maiga. “Some soldiers are unhappy with the privileged treatment given to Russian mercenaries over Malian troops.”
