What You Need to Know
A military court in Mali has officially charged two prominent generals with attempting to destabilize the state and overthrow the ruling military authority. The charges come amid a broader crackdown on military dissent following a series of coups since 2020, raising concerns about the future of military governance in the country.
Africa. A military court in Mali has officially charged two prominent generals in the army with attempting to “destabilize the state” and seeking to overthrow the ruling military authority.
General Abass Dembélé, a commander in the ground forces, and General Nima Sagara from the air force were arrested in early August as part of a widespread crackdown that included dozens of military personnel, suspected of being involved in a plot to overthrow the military council led by Colonel Assimi Goïta.
According to judicial sources, the generals appeared before investigating judges on Wednesday and Thursday, where they were charged with “attempting to destabilize the state” and “endangering national security.”
Security sources confirmed these allegations, while the generals’ lawyers noted they were able to meet their clients for the first time since their arrest, indicating that Dembélé “has lost a lot of weight but remains resilient,” while Sagara “is struggling to cope with the conditions of detention.”
Purge Within the Military
The military authorities announced in October that both generals had been removed from the army, along with nine other officers, in what was described as part of a “purge” targeting opponents within the military institution.
Security sources indicate that most arrests occurred within the national guard, the unit to which the current Minister of Defense, General Sadio Camara, belongs, one of the key figures in the military council.
These developments come amid ongoing debates about the future of military governance in Mali, following a series of coups since 2020, amid internal and external pressures calling for a political transition towards civilian rule.
Mali has experienced significant political turmoil since 2020, marked by a series of military coups that have led to ongoing debates about governance and stability. The military authorities have faced internal dissent, prompting a crackdown on perceived threats within the armed forces, including the recent arrests of high-ranking officers.
The current situation reflects a broader struggle for power within the military and highlights the challenges facing Mali as it navigates pressures for a return to civilian rule. The international community has been closely monitoring developments, urging a transition to democratic governance amid ongoing security concerns in the region.
