Mali Arrests Dozens Of Soldiers Over Alleged Bid To Topple Junta

Mali has arrested dozens of soldiers suspected of plotting to overthrow the junta, which itself took power in the West African country in a coup, sources told AFP on Sunday.

Since seizing the reins in Mali through back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021, the West African country’s junta has ramped up repression of its critics in the face of widespread jihadist unrest.

“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.

A separate source within the army confirmed an “attempt at destabilisation”, adding: “We have gone ahead with the necessary arrests”.

Among those arrested 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 figure close to the officer said.

“They have not told him why he was arrested.”

A member of the National Transition Council, the junta-backed parliament, spoke of “around 50 arrests”.

“All are soldiers. Their objective was to overthrow the junta,” the lawmaker said.