Several soldiers in Mali have been taken into custody over allegations of planning to overthrow the country’s military rulers, according to sources.
The overnight arrests, which are said to be ongoing, highlight deepening rifts within the ruling junta amid reports that jihadist militants in the north are making fresh gains. Officials have yet to make any public statement on the detentions.
Early reports suggested that Gen Abass Dembele, former governor of the Mopti region, and Gen Nema Sagara, one of the few women to reach the top ranks of the Malian army, were among those held.
However, a source close to Gen Dembele told news reporter that neither of them had been arrested.
