Mali coup plot
By Joe Udo
BAMAKO (CONVERSEER) – At least 45 Malian soldiers, including two generals, have been arrested over an alleged attempt to “destabilise the institutions” in the West African country, authorities confirmed at the weekend.
Among those detained is General Abass Dembele, a former governor of the central Mopti region, widely regarded as popular within army ranks. Sources close to the General said soldiers apprehended him early Sunday on the outskirts of Bamako, the capital, without providing an explanation for his arrest.
Also taken into custody was Brigadier General Nema Sagara, a senior officer in the air force and one of the few high-ranking women in Mali’s military.
“All are soldiers. Their objective was to overthrow the junta,” a member of parliament familiar with the matter told reporters.
Rise of Mali’s Military Junta
Mali experienced eight years of relative political stability before a group of soldiers stormed Bamako in August 2020, detaining then-President Aboubakar Keita. The coup followed weeks of anti-government protests over Keita’s failure to curb violent Islamist insurgencies in the north.
The military junta that seized power pledged to swiftly address the security crisis. However, internal divisions triggered a second coup in May 2021, bringing Colonel Assimi Goïta to the presidency — a position he has held since.
Growing Discontent Amid Jihadist Attacks and Repression
The junta initially promised to hold elections within 18 months, but no vote has taken place. In recent months, authorities postponed the polls until 2027, further fuelling discontent.
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Meanwhile, security has continued to deteriorate. Figures from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) project show Islamist groups killed a record 7,620 people in the Sahel during the first half of 2024.
On 1 June, fighters from Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) killed more than 30 soldiers in an attack on a military base in Boulkessi, central Mali.
Amid the escalating violence, the junta has intensified crackdowns on dissent. In May, President Goïta dissolved all political parties and organisations, a move that sparked widespread protests.
The government has not yet issued an official statement on the alleged coup plot or the arrests.
