Mali’s military authorities have arrested dozens of soldiers accused of plotting to overthrow the ruling junta, which itself came to power through two coups in 2020 and 2021, security and political sources told AFP.

A Malian security source confirmed that “at least around 20 arrests” had been made in recent days over what was described as an attempt to destabilise state institutions. Another army source corroborated the alleged plot, saying “we have gone ahead with the necessary arrests.”

Among those detained is General Abass Dembele, a respected senior officer and former governor of the central Mopti region. According to a close associate, Dembele was taken into custody early Sunday in Kati, on the outskirts of Bamako, without being informed of the charges against him.

A member of the junta-backed National Transition Council said the number of arrests could be as high as 50, all of them soldiers. “Their objective was to overthrow the junta,” the lawmaker claimed.

The developments underscore growing tensions within the Malian armed forces. Since the back-to-back coups, the junta has consolidated power and ramped up repression against critics, even as the country continues to face widespread jihadist violence, criminal unrest, and a faltering economy.

Mali’s leadership has distanced itself from France, its former colonial power, and strengthened security ties with Russia, relying heavily on paramilitary fighters from the Wagner group and its successor, Africa Corps. However, analysts say resentment is brewing among sections of the army who believe Russian mercenaries receive preferential treatment over Malian troops.

“Mali’s officers are struggling to control the situation. There are grumblings within the army’s ranks,” Malian sociologist Oumar Maiga told AFP.

In July, Mali’s military-appointed legislature passed a law granting junta leader General Assimi Goïta a renewable five-year presidential mandate, removing the need for elections. This move has further delayed the country’s previously promised return to civilian rule, originally scheduled for March 2024.