Niger junta replaces military chief after failed mutiny

Niger’s junta chief, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has appointed a new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces following a failed army mutiny last month that reportedly shook his grip on power.

 

State television reported on Friday that Tiani had appointed Brigadier General Mamane Sani Kiaou as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.

 

“By a decree signed on September 11, 2026, General Abdourahamane Tiani has appointed Brigadier General Mamane Sani Kiaou as chief of staff of the armed forces,” the report said.

 

Kiaou, who previously served as the army chief of staff, replaces General Moussa Salaou Barmou. The statement did not give a reason for Barmou’s removal.

 

The development follows an attempted military uprising last month, when disgruntled soldiers attacked several sensitive sites in the capital, Niamey, and took refuge at a key military base near the airport.

 

Supporters of the military government reportedly suppressed the mutiny with the assistance of Russian mercenaries, following intense fighting in parts of the capital.

 

Tiani also appointed General Abdourahmane Abou Zataka to replace Kiaou as army chief of staff.

 

Kiaou has been described by associates as a seasoned field commander. He previously led military operations against jihadist groups in Niger’s western Tillaberi region and southeastern Diffa area.

 

State media reported that he recently completed a tour of key military garrisons across the country aimed at “restoring cohesion among the troops.”

 

Kiaou also led negotiations that resulted in the withdrawal of French and US forces from Niger following the July 2023 coup.

 

Niger has been ruled by Tiani since he seized power in July 2023, overthrowing elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who has remained in detention.

 

Since the coup, Tiani has moved Niger closer to Russia while distancing the country from Western partners, particularly France, its former colonial power.

 

State television had previously accused France of being behind last month’s attempted uprising, although the government did not provide evidence to support the allegation.