Mali’s military government has arrested more than 30 soldiers and officials accused of attempting to destabilize the government, according to two sources.
The arrests, which targeted several senior officials including General Abass Dembele, former governor of the central Mopti region, have unfolded over multiple days.
A Malian security source put the total number of arrests at 36, while a second source in the government claimed 40 people had been arrested.
The sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the security operations and couldn’t provide details on specific allegations against the arrested officials.
Mali’s military leaders, who took power after coups in 2020 and 2021, have been strengthening their hold on power, with General Assimi Goita being named president with a five-year mandate.
The country has been plagued by militant groups, including Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked group, and has cut ties with Western nations, turning to Russia for support.
