MALI ARRESTS TWO DOZEN SOLDIERS OVER ALLEGED BID TO TOPPLE RULING GOVERNMENT

Mon 11 August 2025:

Mali has arrested around 20 soldiers suspected of wishing to overthrow the government of President Assimi Goita, sources told AFP on Sunday.

“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.

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Since 2020, Mali has been under military junta rule following two coups led by Colonel Assimi Goïta, who seized power amid widespread frustration over jihadist violence, economic struggles, and perceived government corruption.

The junta, initially promising a return to civilian rule by 2024, has postponed elections indefinitely, citing technical issues. In June 2025, the National Transitional Council approved a bill granting Goïta a five-year presidential term, renewable without elections, effectively extending military rule until at least 2030.

The junta has dissolved all political parties, banned media coverage of opposition activities, and cracked down on dissent, arresting activists and journalists. Security has deteriorated, with jihadist attacks by groups like JNIM and Islamic State escalating across the country, including near Bamako.

The junta’s reliance on Russian Wagner mercenaries, replacing French forces, has been linked to human rights abuses, including the alleged Moura massacre. Mali faces international isolation, economic stagnation, and rising authoritarianism, with critics warning of a deepening crisis.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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