Mali arrests dozens of soldiers over alleged coup plot against military leader

Mali’s military regime has reportedly arrested over 40 soldiers, including two high-ranking generals, for allegedly attempting to overthrow the government.

The mass arrests, described by a source within the army as a response to an “attempt at destabilization,” signal deepening tensions within the ruling military leadership led by Colonel Assimi Goïta. Among the detained are General Abass Dembele, a respected former governor of the Mopti region, and Brigadier General Nema Sagara, one of Mali’s highest-ranking female officers. Soldiers reportedly detained Dembele early Sunday (10 August) in Kati, near the capital Bamako, without providing formal charges. A member of Mali’s transitional parliament confirmed the detentions, claiming all those arrested were soldiers aiming to “overthrow the junta.”

The current regime came to power through two coups in 2020 and 2021, citing the previous civilian government’s failure to curb Islamist insurgencies. But in recent years, dissatisfaction has grown amid worsening jihadist violence, delayed elections — now pushed to 2027 — and increasing political repression. In May, the military government dissolved all political parties, sparking mass protests.

Mali’s leadership has pivoted away from Western allies, leaning heavily on Russian military support, including the controversial Africa Corps, successor to Wagner Group forces.