World News

Numerous Soldiers Detained in Mali Amid Alleged Coup Plot

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 11th, 2025.

Numerous Soldiers Detained in Mali Amid Alleged Coup Plot

Authorities in Mali have arrested dozens of soldiers suspected of attempting to overthrow the country’s military leadership, according to multiple sources.

The detentions, which reportedly began overnight and are ongoing, highlight growing unrest within the military government. This turmoil coincides with reports of increasing activity by jihadist insurgents in the northern regions. Official statements regarding the arrests have not yet been released.

Early reports named General Abass Dembele, former governor of Mopti, and General Nema Sagara, one of the few female high-ranking officers in the Malian army, among those detained. However, a source close to General Dembele assured the BBC that neither of them has been arrested. This source, who spoke from Bamako, confirmed that the crackdown continues and said he had just left Dembele’s residence, noting that he was “in good health.”

According to the AFP news agency, soldiers detained were allegedly involved in a plan to topple the ruling junta, citing insiders from the military and the transitional council. An anonymous member of the National Transition Council reportedly confirmed about 50 arrests, describing the suspects as soldiers aiming to “overthrow the junta.” Meanwhile, a security official mentioned at least 20 arrests tied to attempts at destabilizing government institutions.

The crackdown reportedly spans several days and occurs amid rising political tensions fueled by the junta’s recent actions against former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maiga. Both leaders face accusations of damaging the state’s reputation and misappropriation of funds. Mara, known for his vocal opposition to the military regime, has been detained since August 1, while Maiga is subject to ongoing legal restrictions.

In May, the junta dissolved all political parties following rare anti-government demonstrations, which Mara criticized as a major setback to reconciliation efforts started by the military leaders the previous year.

General Assimi Goïta, who came to power through two coups in 2020 and 2021, had pledged elections last year; however, these have yet to occur. In July, the transitional period was extended by five years, allowing him to remain in control until at least 2030.

Mali has been combating Islamist militant groups since 2012—a key justification cited for the military takeover. Despite the deployment of Russian support following the severance of ties with France, insurgent attacks continue to rise, with no significant improvements in security reported. Neighboring countries Niger and Burkina Faso face similar challenges in this ongoing regional conflict.