BAMAKO – On Sunday, August 10, 2025, Malian authorities detained approximately 20 to 50 soldiers, including prominent General Abass Dembele, over an alleged plot to overthrow the ruling junta, which seized power through coups in 2020 and 2021, according to security and parliamentary sources cited by AFP. A Malian security source reported that arrests began three days prior, linked to an “attempt to destabilize the institutions,” with an army source confirming “necessary arrests.” Dembele, a respected former governor of Mopti region, was apprehended in Kati, near Bamako, without disclosed reasons, per a source close to him. A National Transition Council member claimed the detained soldiers aimed to topple the junta led by General Assimi Goïta, who in July 2025 secured a renewable five-year presidential mandate without elections, reneging on a March 2024 civilian rule pledge, per France 24 and Firstpost.
The arrests reflect internal military dissent, exacerbated by Mali’s shift from French partnerships to Russian mercenaries (Wagner Group and Africa Corps) since 2021, amid ongoing jihadist violence linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State, which has killed over 8,000 civilians since 2012, per ACLED data. Sociologist Oumar Maiga told AFP that the purge signals “grumblings within the army’s ranks,” particularly over preferential treatment of Russian forces, accused of civilian atrocities alongside Malian troops (Human Rights Watch). Mali’s economic crisis, with 43.1% poverty (World Bank, 2024), and jihadist unrest add pressure. X posts from @France24_en (August 10, 2025) and @NTC_Report highlighted the arrests and discontent over Russian ties, while @AfricanHub_ noted Dembele’s detention as a blow to military morale. The junta’s actions underscore its struggle to maintain control amid internal and external challenges.
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