What You Need to Know
Malian authorities have dismissed several senior officials from defense and security agencies, citing disciplinary actions related to accusations of undermining state security. This includes former intelligence chief Colonel Kassoum Goita and others, who have faced legal challenges since their arrests in 2021.
Africa. Malian authorities have dismissed several senior officials from defense and security agencies, describing the move as “disciplinary measures” related to accusations of undermining state security.
The decisions included former intelligence chief Colonel Kassoum Goita, former presidential aide and former governor of Kidal, Colonel Fodi Malick Sisoko, and General Inspector of Police Mustafa Diakite. All these decisions were issued through presidential decrees.
Goita and Diakite were detained in November 2021 along with other officials in a case described by authorities as an “attempted coup and conspiracy against the transitional government.” They have remained in custody since then, while their lawyers have stated that legal proceedings against them are ongoing without a final verdict.
Colonel Sisoko was detained in November 2023 and placed in pretrial detention on charges of “high treason” based on a phone recording released at the end of that year, in which he allegedly communicated with a prominent leader in northern Mali. Despite the public circulation of the recording’s content, no independent entity has officially verified its authenticity to date.
Similar Decisions
These dismissals come as an extension of similar decisions made in 2025, when Generals Abass Dembélé and Nema Sagara were suspended in August and subsequently dismissed by presidential decree on October 7. They were later charged with attempts to “destabilize institutions,” and their trial is still ongoing.
The measures also included Colonel Alpha Yaya Sangaré, a national guard officer and author of a book criticizing the security situation in the country. He was detained in March 2024 following the publication of his book, and a dismissal decision was issued on December 12, 2025.
Mali has faced significant political instability and security challenges in recent years, particularly following a coup in 2020. The transitional government has been under pressure to address security concerns and allegations of misconduct within its ranks. The dismissals of senior officials reflect ongoing efforts to maintain control and address issues of loyalty and security within the military and government.
In 2021, Mali’s military government arrested several officials on charges related to an alleged coup attempt, which has led to a series of disciplinary actions against military personnel.
