Pavel Bednyakov / AFP
The Malian authorities announced the arrest of a Frenchman this Thursday, August 14. (Photo of the leader of the Malian junta, Assimi Goita, June 23, 2025)
International – We do not yet know his identity. Malian authorities have announced the arrest of a Frenchman suspected of working for the “French intelligence service”. They also accused “Foreign States” To be behind an attempt to destabilize institutions, according to a statement read on national television, this Thursday, August 14.
The junta, herself came to power after two state couples in 2020 and 2021, also expressed herself on the dozens of military arrests in recent days, accused of wanting to overthrow power.
This West African country, customary of political disorders, is led by sovereignist soldiers in a context of severe restrictions of freedoms by the junta and murderous jihadist violence on the territory.
At least 55 soldiers arrested
In her press release, the junta also announced “The arrest of a group of marginal elements from the Malian security armed forces”which she said was looking for “Destabilize the institutions of the Republic”. “These soldiers and civilians” would have obtained “The help of foreign states”accuses the Malian government.
At least 55 soldiers have been arrested, according to security sources consulted by AFP. “Judicial inquiries continue to identify possible accomplices”indicates the government.
The junta also confirmed the arrest of two generals, Abass Dembélé and Nema Sagara. General Abass Dembélé is a very respected figure within the army. This former governor of the Mopti region, in the center of the country, was recently removed from this function by the junta.
The arrests were mainly carried out within the National Guard, a Malian army body, AFP learned from security sources. It is notoriously the original body of the Minister of Defense, General Sadio Camara, one of the main figures of the junta.
Several observers have noted that some of the people arrested by the authorities are relatives of Sadio Camara, but he has not been worried to date.
The junta turned away from Western partners
Since 2012, this Sahelian country has faced a profound security crisis in particular by the violence of groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) organization, as well as community criminal groups. It is added to a serious economic crisis.
The junta, led by President Assimi Goïta, turned away from Western partners, notably the former French colonizer, to turn politically and militarily to Russia.
The Malian army and its allies, the Russian mercenaries of Africa Corps, notably responsible for tracking the jihadists, are regularly accused of committing abuses against civilians.
