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Mali Arrests Dozens of Soldiers Over Alleged Coup Plot

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

Dozens of Malian soldiers have been arrested over an alleged plot to overthrow the country’s military leadership, multiple sources have confirmed, amid growing political and security tensions. The arrests, which began several days ago and reportedly continued overnight, have raised fears of deepening divisions within the ruling junta. Authorities have not issued an official statement on the development. Initial reports claimed that Gen Abass Dembele, former governor of Mopti region, and Gen Nema Sagara, one of the few women at the top ranks of Mali’s army, were among those detained. However, a source close to Gen Dembele told the BBC he had just visited the general at home and confirmed “he was doing well.” According to AFP, citing military and junta-aligned transitional council sources, the detained soldiers — all members of the armed forces — allegedly planned to “overthrow the junta.” The number of arrests reported ranges from about 20 to 50. The alleged coup plot comes as Mali’s military government faces mounting political strain. Former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maiga are under pressure — Mara has been in detention since 1 August, accused of tarnishing the state’s image, while Maiga is facing judicial action over alleged embezzlement. In May, the junta dissolved all political parties after rare anti-government protests, a move critics say undermines reconciliation efforts. The military, led by Gen Assimi Goïta, seized power in two coups in 2020 and 2021, promising elections that never materialised. Last month, the transition period was extended by five years, allowing Goïta to remain in power until at least 2030. Despite citing insecurity as a key reason for taking power, jihadist attacks — ongoing since 2012 — have persisted and in some areas intensified. Mali, alongside Niger and Burkina Faso, has turned to Russian military support after cutting ties with France, but significant security improvements remain elusive.

Mali Army Kills 80 After al-Qaeda-Linked Attacks on Military Bases

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

An al-Qaeda affiliate earlier claimed responsibility for ‘coordinated and high-quality attacks’ in the country. Mali’s armed forces have killed 80 fighters in response to a series of simultaneous and coordinated attacks on military posts across the country, according to a video statement released by the military. “The enemy suffered significant losses in every location where they engaged with the security and defence forces,” Souleymane Dembele, the army’s spokesperson, said in a special bulletin broadcast on the armed forces’ television channel, as visuals of fallen rebels, their weapons, motorbikes, and vehicles were displayed. Al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) earlier claimed responsibility for “coordinated and high-quality attacks”, saying it had taken control of three barracks and dozens of military positions. Mali’s armed forces said the attacks took place in seven towns in the central and western regions of the West African country. The incidents bore the hallmarks of other recent operations by the group, which has conducted similar assaults on military positions in Mali and Burkina Faso. Mali, governed by a military government since 2020, has for more than a decade fought violent groups linked to ISIL (ISIS) and al-Qaeda, while contending with a longer history of Tuareg-led rebellions in the north. The attacks on Tuesday targeted Diboli in western Mali near the border with Senegal, and the nearby towns of Kayes and Sandere. There were also attacks in Nioro du Sahel and Gogoui, northwest of the capital Bamako near the border with Mauritania, and in Molodo and Niono in central Mali, “all struck by shellfire”, the army’s statement said. Residents and a local politician confirmed the attacks in at least four towns. “We woke up in shock this morning. There’s gunfire, and from my house I can see smoke billowing towards the governor’s residence,” one resident in the city of Kayes said. The person described the gunfire as “intense” while another reported sheltering at home while the assault raged on.Elsewhere, a local political official wrote on Facebook that “the region of Nioro woke up in shock” and that the towns of Nioro, Sandare and Gogui had been targeted.

ECOWAS considers Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger withdrawal

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago03 mins

The Economic Community of West African States have considered the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from the Commission. ECOWAS stated this in press statement issued and made available today (Wednesday), 29th January, 2025. The statement reads; “The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, 29th January 2025. However, in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interet of the, as well as sthe decision of the ECOWAS Authority to keep ECOWAS’ doors open, all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS Member State are requested and required to: “Recognise National passports and identity cards bearing ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and Republic of Niger until further notice. “Continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countriesx in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy. “Allow Citizens of the three affected countries to continue to enjoy the right of visa free movement, residence and establishment in accordance with the ECOWAS protocals until further notice. “Provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community. “These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of or future engagement with the three countries the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. “The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries. This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period.”