Mali arrests dozens in military who posed threat to government, sources say

By Reuters

Mali has arrested more than 30 soldiers and military officials accused of attempting to destabilise the government, two sources said, a sign of internal tensions as the West African nation’s leaders take steps to strengthen their hold on power.

The arrests have unfolded over multiple days and have targeted several senior officials including General Abass Dembele, former governor of the central Mopti region, said a Malian security source who put the total number of arrests at 36.

Mali’s military leaders took power after coups in 2020 and 2021, vowing to restore security in a country where militant groups control large areas of the north and centre and stage frequent attacks on the army and civilians.

In April, a national conference recommended naming General Assimi Goita, who became interim leader in 2021, as president with a five-year mandate, as well as dissolving all political parties.

The move spurred rare protests in the capital