• Over 40 soldiers, including two generals, have been arrested in Mali over coup allegations.
• The arrests reflect increasing internal tensions within the military government led by General Goïta.
• Political discontent has surged following the junta's dissolution of political parties and extended rule without elections.

In **Mali**, more than **40 soldiers**, including two high-ranking generals, have been arrested amid allegations of attempting to **overthrow the military government**. Among those detained is General Abass Dembele, a popular figure within the army, and Brigadier General Nema Sagara, one of the few prominent female officers in the nation. These arrests were executed over the weekend on the outskirts of Bamako, indicating a potential coup plot against the junta led by General Assimi Goïta, which has faced rising tensions and criticism for extending military rule indefinitely, according to BBC and Reuters.

The arrests suggest a significant shift in Mali's political landscape, as they are viewed as a remark in the junta's crackdown on dissent within the military ranks. Those arrested are accused of wanting to destabilize the **transition government**, and according to sources, this operation has unfolded over several days, reflecting the growing discontent among army personnel. Reports indicate that the total number of detained individuals varies, with some sources claiming up to ***50 arrests*** have been made, escalating concerns around internal divisions, as noted by Africanews and Al Jazeera.

The political situation has become increasingly fragile since the junta dissolved all political parties and announced an extended transition period, postponing promised elections to **2027**. In recent months, General Goïta's government has witnessed heightened insecurity due to **jihadist** activities and criticism from former political leaders, further exacerbating the tense atmosphere within the country. The military junta aims to combat the jihadist insurgency, which has claimed numerous lives and displaced over **350,000 people**, according to Reuters and BBC.

In light of the recent unrest, the military government has refrained from issuing formal statements regarding the arrests, and the official narrative surrounding the arrests remains ambiguous. Analysts suggest that the crackdown signifies a stronger display of control from General Goïta, who appears to be consolidating power amid rising internal tensions within Mali's military apparatus. The perceived threats against the junta create a precarious political environment and may lead to further instability, especially with the deteriorating security situation in the country, highlighted by Africanews, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.