According to the Mali junta, ‘Western-backed’ military officers attempted a Coup
Mali’s interim administration said on Monday that “Western-backed” military members attempted a coup last week, but provided no evidence or details.
The Mali junta that took power in an August 2020 coup announced in a statement that the alleged foiled coup took occurred on the night of May 11 and 12.
The claim against Westerners represents a new low for Mali and its erstwhile international partners, who assisted the West African country in its struggle against Islamist terrorists for a decade but are now fleeing due to a tense political situation.
Russian mercenaries have taken their place, assisting Mali’s military, and witnesses said last month that white mercenaries were involved in a mass execution of Malian civilians.
As part of the effort to identify collaborators, increased security has been implemented, including checks at border crossings and entry points into Bamako, according to the statement.
An investigation has been launched, and “detained people” will face punishment, according to the statement.
The junta’s inability to organize promised elections in February and quickly restore democratic authority, as well as its involvement with Russian mercenaries, have heightened tensions between Mali and the West.
