Mali detains dozens of soldiers amid alleged plot to overthrow junta

Mali’s Military Junta Intensifies Repression Amid Internal Threats

The West African nation has seen a surge of arrests linked to an alleged plot to destabilise the junta‑backed administration, underscoring the ongoing struggle for control within Mali’s armed forces.

Recent Detentions and Alleged Coup Plot

• At least 20 soldiers were detained in the wake of a purported attempt to uproot the current leadership.
• Army officials confirmed the arrest of a former regional governor, General Abass Dembele, without providing a motive.
• Members of the National Transition Council reported roughly 50 arrests, all military personnel reportedly seeking to topple the junta.

Contextualizing Mali’s Security Quagmire

Mali has endured multi‑front crises since 2012, with extremist groups linked to Al‑Qaeda and the Islamic State executing violent attacks across the Sahel. Concurrently, criminal and sectarian violence exacerbate an already fragile economy.

Shift Away from France, Alignment with Russia

• The military regime rejected France, asserting a desire to free the country from its colonial legacy.
• In alignment with Niger and Burkina Faso, the junta forged ties with Russia, deploying Wagner paramilitaries and the successor Africa Corps to combat jihadists and internal adversaries.

Persistent Jihadist Threat and Alleged Atrocities

Despite these alliances, Mali continues to struggle against jihadist insurgencies. The regular army and its Russian allies face frequent accusations of committing atrocities against civilians.

Expert Insight on Internal Grievances

Malian sociologist Oumar Maiga characterized the latest purge as “proof that officers are struggling to control the situation,” noting “grumblings within the army’s ranks.” Maiga added that “some soldiers are not happy with the treatment given to the Russian mercenaries at the expense of Malian soldiers.”

Implications for Mali’s Stability

These developments reflect a mounting internal crisis, with the junta attempting to preserve authority while grappling with external threats and internal dissent. The situation remains volatile, demanding close observation by stakeholders and international partners.