Mali’s military government has appointed a new Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces following a wave of coordinated attacks that recently shook the country and exposed alleged internal security breaches within the military.
The appointment comes less than two weeks after deadly assaults targeted multiple locations across Mali, triggering a sweeping security crackdown and political tensions under the ruling junta.
Elisée Jean Dao officially assumed office on Wednesday after being promoted from brigadier general in the National Guard to the rank of major general.
Dao replaces Oumar Diarra, who has now been appointed Minister Delegate to the Minister of Defence, a portfolio currently overseen by transitional president and junta leader Assimi Goïta.
Defence Minister Killed in Bomb Attack
The military reshuffle follows the killing of former Defence Minister Sadio Camara, who reportedly died in a car bomb attack during last month’s violence.
Mali’s army has since claimed it possesses “solid evidence” suggesting some military personnel were involved in the planning, coordination, and execution of the attacks, raising concerns about infiltration and internal divisions within the security forces.
Arrests and Alleged Abductions Spark Concern
Following the attacks, reports indicate that several military officers, civilians, and opposition-linked figures have been detained or allegedly abducted by security operatives.
Among those reportedly targeted are opposition figures Mountaga Tall, Youssouf Daba Diawara, and Moussa Djire.
According to sources, Tall—a lawyer and political figure—was seized in Bamako on May 2 by armed hooded men. Security officials reportedly accuse him of participating in meetings in Dakar, Senegal, aimed at destabilising the military-led government.
An intelligence source confirmed that Tall has been questioned over allegations of “attempted destabilisation.”
Meanwhile, security authorities are also reportedly investigating alleged links between Diawara and influential cleric Mahmoud Dicko, as well as connections between Djire and exiled opposition figure Oumar Mariko.
Opposition Fears Political Purge
The developments have fueled fears of a wider crackdown on dissent in Mali, with critics accusing the junta of using the security crisis to silence opposition voices and tighten its grip on power.
“Everything suggests these events are being used as an opportunity to carry out a purge within the political opposition and the army,” a political source told AFP on condition of anonymity.
The latest unrest adds to mounting security and political challenges facing Mali’s military leadership as the country continues to battle insurgency, internal instability, and growing international scrutiny over governance and human rights concerns.
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