Dozens of soldiers have been detained in Mali over accusations of plotting to overthrow the ruling junta. The arrests, carried out over several days, come amid growing political tensions and worsening jihadist violence in the north, BBC reported.

Military and transitional council sources told AFP the soldiers aimed to topple the government, with estimates of those held ranging from 20 to 50.

The crackdown follows the detention of former Prime Minister Moussa Mara and legal action against ex-Prime Minister Choguel Maiga. Junta leader Gen Asimi Goïta, who took power in 2020 and 2021, recently extended the transition period by five years, delaying elections until at least 2030, according to BBC.