Niger’s military junta has appointed Brigadier General Mamane Sani Kiaou as the new chief of staff of the armed forces, weeks after a thwarted army mutiny shook the government.
State television reported on Friday that junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani appointed Kiaou in a decree signed on September 11, 2026.
“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,” state television reported.
Kiaou replaces General Moussa Salaou Barmou, although the statement did not give a reason for his removal.
Tiani also appointed General Abdourahmane Abou Zataka to replace Kiaou as army chief of staff.
The changes came after an attempted military mutiny last month, during which disgruntled soldiers attacked several sensitive sites in the capital, Niamey, before taking refuge at a key military base near the airport.
Supporters of the military government, assisted by Russian mercenaries, eventually suppressed the uprising following intense fighting in the capital.
Kiaou, described by associates as a seasoned field commander, has played a leading role in 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 aimed at “restoring cohesion among the troops.”
He also led negotiations that resulted in the withdrawal of French and US forces from Niger following the July 2023 coup.
Since taking power, Tiani has moved Niger closer to Russia while distancing the country from Western partners, particularly former colonial power France.
Niger has been under military rule since Tiani’s July 2023 coup that ousted elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who has remained in detention.
State television had previously accused France of being behind last month’s failed uprising.
