Mali arrests dozens of troopers over alleged bid to topple junta

Mali has arrested dozens of troopers suspected of plotting to overthrow the junta, which itself took energy within the west African nation in a coup, sources advised AFP on Sunday (August 10, 2025).

Since seizing the reins in Mali by means of back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021, the west African nation’s junta has ramped up repression of its critics within 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 safety supply advised AFP.

A separate supply inside the Army confirmed an “attempt at destabilisation”, including: “We have gone ahead with the necessary arrests”.

Among these arrested was General Abass Dembele, a former governor of the central Mopti area and a revered navy officer.

“Soldiers came early this morning [Sunday] to arrest General Abass Dembele in Kati,” on the outskirts of the capital Bamako, a determine near the officer stated.

“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 stated.

‘Grumblings inside the ranks’

Since 2012, Mali has been wracked with crises on numerous fronts, with militants linked to the Al-Qaeda or Islamic State teams finishing up violent assaults throughout the Sahel nation.

Criminal and sectarian violence are likewise rife, whereas the economic system is in dire straits.

After the coups, the junta turned its again on France, arguing that the nation ought to be freed from its former colonial ruler, as have its fellow military-run allies in Niger and Burkina Faso.

It has cast ties with new allies, notably Russia, whose mercenaries from the paramilitary Wagner group and its successor Africa Corps have helped the navy combat jihadists and different inside adversaries.

Yet, like Niger and Burkina Faso, Mali has continued to wrestle to comprise the jihadist risk, whereas the common military and its Russian allies are often accused of committing atrocities in opposition to civilians.

For Malian sociologist Oumar Maiga, this newest purge was “proof that the officers are struggling to control the situation. There are grumblings within the army’s ranks”.

“Some soldiers are not happy with the treatment given to the Russian mercenaries at the expense of Malian soldiers,” Mr. Maiga added.