Mali’s authorities have arrested dozens of soldiers accused of plotting to overthrow junta leader Assimi Goïta, who himself came to power through two coups in 2020 and 2021, sources told AFP on Sunday. Since taking control, the junta led by Goïta has tightened its grip on power, silencing critics amid ongoing jihadist violence across the West African nation. "Since three days ago, there have been arrests linked to an attempt to destabilise the institutions. There have been at least around 20 arrests," a Malian security source told AFP. Another army source confirmed an "attempt at destabilisa

Mali’s authorities have arrested dozens of soldiers accused of plotting to overthrow junta leader Assimi Goïta, who himself came to power through two coups in 2020 and 2021, sources told AFP on Sunday. Since taking control, the junta led by Goïta has tightened its grip on power, silencing critics amid ongoing jihadist violence across the West African nation. "Since three days ago, there have been arrests linked to an attempt to destabilise the institutions. There have been at least around 20 arrests," a Malian security source told AFP. Another army source confirmed an "attempt at destabilisation," adding: "We have gone ahead with the necessary arrests." Among those detained was General Abass Dembele, a former governor of the central Mopti region and a respected military officer. "Soldiers came early this morning (Sunday) to arrest General Abass Dembele in Kati," on the outskirts of the capital Bamako, a source close to the officer said. "They have not told him why he was arrested." A member of the National Transition Council, Mali’s junta-backed parliament, claimed "around 50 arrests" had been made. "All are soldiers. Their objective was to overthrow the junta," the lawmaker said. Mali has faced continuous instability since 2012, with militants linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State carrying out deadly attacks across the country. Criminal violence, ethnic tensions, and a struggling economy have deepened the crisis. Following the coups, the junta cut ties with France, its former colonial power, and strengthened alliances with Russia. Mercenaries from the Wagner Group and its successor, Africa Corps, have been assisting Mali’s military against jihadists. Malian sociologist Oumar Maiga said the arrests show that "the officers are struggling to control the situation. There are grumblings within the army's ranks." He added, "Some soldiers are not happy with the treatment given to the Russian mercenaries at the expense of Malian soldiers." In July, Mali’s military-appointed legislature passed a bill granting Goïta a renewable five-year presidential term "as many times as necessary" without elections. The junta had earlier promised to restore civilian rule by March 2024. Source: AFP

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