Dozens Of Mali Soldiers Arrested Over Alleged Plot To Oust Ruling Junta

Dozens of Mali soldiers have been arrested over an alleged plot to overthrow the ruling junta, according to a Malian security source. The arrests began three days ago and are linked to an attempt to destabilize the institution.

Among those arrested is General Abass Dembele, a former governor of the central Mopti region and a highly regarded officer. The plot reportedly involved a soldier who is also a lawmaker.

Mali has been facing multiple crises since 2012, including attacks by militants linked to the Islamic State, intercommunal clashes, and economic hardships. The current junta came to power in a coup in 2020 and 2021, promising to restore civilian rule, but later extended their mandate without holding elections.

The arrests are seen as a sign of cracks within the armed forces, with some soldiers resenting the preferential treatment given to Russian mercenaries over Malian troops. Despite forming alliances with Russia, Mali continues to struggle to contain insurgency and faces accusations of atrocities against civilians.