Mali’s ruling military junta has arrested a group of military personnel and civilians, including two high-ranking generals and a French national, accusing them of plotting to destabilize the country.
Security Minister General Daouda Aly Mohammedine announced the arrests on national television, assuring the public that the situation is “completely under control” and that the alleged coup attempt, which reportedly began on August 1, has been foiled.
Among those detained are General Abass Dembélé, former governor of the Mopti region, and General Néma Sagara, a respected figure known for her role in combating militants in 2012. Dembélé was dismissed in May after demanding an investigation into alleged killings of civilians by the army in the village of Diafarabé.
Mali arrests top Generals and French national over alleged coup plot
Mali’s Minister of Security and Civil Protection, Major General Daoud Aly Mohammedine, announced the arrest of several senior military officers and a French citizen on August 1, accusing them of plotting to… pic.twitter.com/jAMFbMG6Ft
— Viory Video (@vioryvideo) August 15, 2025
The French national, identified as Yann Vezilier, is accused of acting on behalf of French intelligence to mobilize political leaders, civil society, and military personnel in Mali. No official response has yet come from France.
The arrests come amid increasing tension following a pro-democracy rally in May, the first since soldiers seized power nearly four years ago. The junta has been cracking down on dissent, dissolving political parties, and extending its rule for another five years despite earlier promises of a civilian transition by March 2024.
Analysts view the arrests with skepticism. Rida Lyammouri from the Policy Center for the New South suggests the arrests are more about intimidation than a genuine coup threat, saying, “The military leaders are simply not willing to let grievances build into something more.” The junta has previously targeted journalists, civil society, and political opponents, and these latest arrests appear to continue that pattern, The Guardian reported.
Mali continues to face severe security challenges, battling insurgencies from Islamist militants even after expelling French troops in 2022 and seeking Russian assistance. The political situation remains fragile as the junta tightens its grip on power.
