Mali`s transitional government has announced that its security and intelligence services have thwarted an alleged attempt to destabilize the country, reportedly planned by both military and civilian actors with the backing of a foreign state.
In a statement read by the Minister of Security, the government revealed that those involved in the plot included two army officers—Abbas Dembele and Nama Sangare—as well as a French national allegedly working for his country`s intelligence services.
The Malian authorities stated that the situation in the country remains under control and that investigations are ongoing to uncover all those involved in the scheme.
A statement from the army, broadcast on state television, declared that "fringe elements within the Malian armed security forces" had been arrested on charges of attempting to "undermine the institutions of the Republic."
The statement accused "these soldiers and civilians" of receiving "support from foreign countries," and revealed that the French national had been arrested on suspicion of working "on behalf of French intelligence."
Security sources told AFP that at least 55 soldiers had been arrested, adding that the government is working to identify potential "accomplices."
The arrests reportedly took place primarily within the National Guard, a branch of the military that includes current Defense Minister Sadio Camara—one of the key figures in the ruling military junta.
On Tuesday, former civilian Prime Minister Choguel Maïga was also arrested in connection with an investigation into the alleged "embezzlement of public funds."
Maïga, a prominent figure in the former military-led government, was appointed prime minister in 2021 before being dismissed late last year after criticizing the generals for failing to follow through on their promise to transfer power to civilian authorities by March 2024.