Bamako: Malian authorities have detained two dozen soldiers accused of attempting a coup against the ruling junta, which initially assumed power through its own coup. The detainment includes a high-ranking general, amid increasing dissatisfaction within the army and ongoing instability in the region.

According to France24.com, the arrests come as the junta, which seized control in Mali through successive coups in 2020 and 2021, continues to suppress dissent despite widespread jihadist unrest. A security source in Mali revealed that approximately 20 arrests have been made over the past three days, with no reasons disclosed for the arrests.

A member of the National Transition Council, the junta-supported parliament, mentioned that about 50 soldiers have been detained with the intent to overthrow the junta. Mali has been in turmoil since 2012 with militant attacks from groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, as well as criminal and sectarian violence, contributing to the country’s economic hardships.

Following the coups, the junta distanced itself from France, emphasizing independence from former colonial rule, similar to military-led governments in Niger and Burkina Faso. Mali has since strengthened ties with new allies like Russia, relying on mercenaries from the Wagner group and its successor, Africa Corps, to combat jihadists and other threats.

However, like its allies, Mali struggles to manage the jihadist threat, with accusations against its military and Russian allies of committing atrocities against civilians. Malian sociologist Oumar Maiga interprets the recent detentions as evidence of internal discord within the military, with dissatisfaction over the perceived preferential treatment of Russian mercenaries over Malian soldiers.

In July, Mali’s military-appointed legislative body passed a bill granting General Assimi Goita, the junta leader, a renewable five-year presidential term without elections, despite initial promises to restore civilian rule by March 2024.