Mali’s Military Foils Coup Attempt Against President Assimi Goita

In recent hours, the Malian Armed Forces have successfully thwarted an attempted coup and assassination plot targeting President Assimi Goita and his key officials. The coup attempt, described as led by imperialist spies, was swiftly crushed by the powerful Malian military, which arrested all accomplices on the spot. General Assimi Goita remains firmly in power as the President of the Republic of Mali and Acting President of the AES Confederation.

Authorities arrested at least 45 military personnel, including two generals, as part of the operation aimed at destabilizing the country’s institutions. Among those detained was General Abass Dembele, a former governor of the Mopti region and a respected figure within the army. The arrests took place over the weekend near the capital Bamako without prior explanation, underscoring the military government’s urgent steps to maintain order.

This latest coup attempt comes amid a period of heightened political unrest in Mali, a country that has seen two coups since 2020, both led by Assimi Goita. After ascending to power in 2021 following the ousting of the civilian president, Goita’s transitional government has postponed elections and extended its rule, prompting some discontent and protests among the population. The military regime has also dissolved political parties and intensified repression of critics while battling ongoing jihadist violence.

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Despite the turmoil, President Goita survived a previous assassination attempt in 2021 during prayers at Bamako’s Grand Mosque and has maintained his position through these challenges. His government asserts strong control and readiness to counter any threats to the nation’s stability.

The unfolding situation highlights Mali’s ongoing struggle to balance military governance amid internal security threats and popular demands for democratic transition. The swift action by the armed forces in crushing this coup attempt signals their firm grip on power as they navigate these complex political dynamics.