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By: BBC
The prosecutor of the military court in Bamako, Mali, has said a group of soldiers have been arrested in connection with recent major joint attacks by jihadist militias and separatist groups in the country.
In a statement read on national television on Friday night, the prosecutor’s office said the investigation revealed that some soldiers, including those serving, dismissed or retired, were involved in planning, coordinating and carrying out the attacks.
Among the five soldiers immediately identified were a Sergeant, a technical rank soldier, the battalion commander’s senior advisor on soldier matters and a retired soldier.
Dismissed soldier Alassane Diallo, known as Abedi, was killed in fighting in Kati, the statement said.
Meanwhile, investigators have said some politicians were also involved in the attacks, naming Dr. Oumar Mariko, a prominent opposition leader living in exile.
Dr. Mariko was recently mentioned in the media after reportedly meeting with militants from the Al Qaeda-linked JNIM jihadist group, in talks to secure the release of hostages.
“The first phase of arrests has already been successfully made, and all other suspects, their associates and aides are still being sought,” the statement said, adding that further investigations will continue.
The arrest comes as jihadist militants call for a united front to overthrow the military government and establish a new transitional administration.
