Malian authorities have detained more than 30 soldiers and senior military officials accused of attempting to undermine the government, including General Abass Dembele, former governor of the central Mopti region. Security sources said the arrests, which have unfolded over several days, bring the total number of detainees to between 36 and 40.
The government has not publicly commented on the operation, and details of the allegations remain unclear. Mali’s military leadership, which seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021, has faced mounting political tension since a national conference in April recommended granting President Assimi Goita a renewable five-year mandate and dissolving all political parties — a move that sparked rare protests in Bamako in May, followed by a suspension of political activities nationwide.
Goita’s extended rule was formally approved last month, but the country continues to grapple with worsening insecurity. In recent months, there has been a surge in deadly attacks by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate active in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
Security analysts say the group has strengthened its battlefield tactics and resources through raids on military posts, cattle theft, hijacking of goods, kidnappings and the imposition of taxes on local communities.
Large swathes of Mali’s north and centre remain under the control of armed groups, with frequent attacks targeting both the military and civilians.
