In a dramatic turn of events, dozens of Malian soldiers have been arrested in what authorities claim was a thwarted coup attempt against the country's military junta. The arrests, which began under the cover of darkness and are expected to continue, have sent shockwaves through the West African nation's capital, Bamako.

According to sources close to the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity to RNG247, the wave of detentions reflects growing tensions within Mali's military government. The arrests come amid reports of a resurgent jihadist insurgency in the country's northern regions, further destabilizing an already fragile security situation.

Initial reports suggested that high-ranking officers, including General Abass Dembele, former governor of the Mopti region, and General Nema Sagara, one of the few women at the highest echelons of the Malian army, were among those detained. However, these claims were swiftly disputed by sources close to General Dembele, who insisted that neither officer had been arrested.

The AFP news agency, citing multiple sources within the military and junta-backed transitional council, reported that the detained soldiers were allegedly planning to overthrow the government. "All are soldiers. Their objective was to overthrow the junta," an unnamed lawmaker in the National Transition Council told AFP. The same source claimed that approximately 50 arrests had been made, while a security insider put the number at "at least 20," linked to "attempts to destabilize the institutions."

This alleged coup attempt unfolds against a backdrop of escalating political tension in Mali. The junta has recently cracked down on former Prime Ministers Moussa Mara and Choguel Maiga, accusing them of harming the state's reputation and embezzlement. Mara, who has been openly critical of the military government, has been in detention since August 1, while Maiga faces judicial sanctions.

The political landscape in Mali has been increasingly volatile since May when the junta dissolved all political parties following rare anti-government protests. This move was widely criticized, with Mara describing it as a severe blow to reconciliation efforts initiated by the military leaders last year.

Mali's current leader, General Asimi Goïta, who came to power through two coups in 2020 and 2021, had initially promised elections last year. However, these have yet to materialize, and in July, the transition period was extended by five years, effectively allowing Goïta to remain in power until at least 2030.

The country has been grappling with an Islamist insurgency since 2012, one of the primary justifications given for the military takeover. Despite efforts to contain the threat, including enlisting Russian allies after severing ties with France, jihadist attacks have continued and even intensified.

As Mali navigates this latest crisis, the international community watches closely, concerned about the potential ripple effects on regional stability and the ongoing fight against extremism in the Sahel. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this alleged coup attempt marks a turning point in Mali's tumultuous political journey or is merely another chapter in its ongoing struggle for stability and democracy.