Mali has arrested around 20 soldiers suspected of plotting to overthrow the junta that seized power in a coup, sources told AFP on Sunday.
“Over the past three days, there have been arrests linked to an attempt to destabilize the institutions. At least 20 people have been detained,” a Malian security source said.
An army insider confirmed the “attempt at destabilization” and added, “We have carried out the necessary arrests.”
Among those detained was General Abass Dembele, a respected military officer and former governor of the central Mopti region.
“Soldiers came early Sunday morning to arrest General Abass Dembele in Kati. He has not been informed of the charges,” said a close associate of the officer. Kati is located on the outskirts of the capital, Bamako.
Since 2012, Mali has faced multiple crises, with militants linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State carrying out violent attacks across the Sahel region.
The country also struggles with criminal and sectarian violence, compounded by a deteriorating economy.
AFP
