The military junta in Mali has announced a failed attempted coup it says was supported by a western nation.
A junta spokesman announced the development late Monday evening, in a statement that claimed the alleged coupists made their failed attempt between the night of Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th May.
Col. Abdoulaye Maiga, Minister of Territorial Administration and Government Spokesman, said several suspects have been detained, including officers and non-commissioned officers.
He did not mention the name of the alleged western state that was behind the coup.
“A small group of anti-progressive Malian officers and non-commissioned officers attempted a coup in the night of May 11 to 12, 2022,” the statement reads in part.
It adds: “These soldiers were supported by a Western state. The attempt was thwarted thanks to the vigilance and professionalism of the defence and security forces.”
The junta promised to conduct a full investigation.
The Malian junta has been at loggerheads with western powers, notably France, Mali’s former colonial master, over disagreement with the coup that brought Col. Assimi Goita to power.
In the last few weeks, the disagreement has degenerated to a point that Mali has cut ties with the French army, which pulled it forces out of the West African nation where it has been helping to fight off an Islamist inspired insurgency out of protest.
