Niger’s military government has appointed Brigadier General Mamane Sani Kiaou as the new head of the armed forces, state television announced on Friday, weeks after a failed mutiny shook the capital, Niamey.
The decree, signed by military leader General Abdourahamane Tiani on September 11, replaces Major General Moussa Salaou Barmou and reshuffles several other senior army posts.
“Within the Nigerien Armed Forces, thus by decree number 2026-478-PRN-MDN of September 11, 2026, Brigadier General Mamane Sani Kiaou, service number OA-SM, general officer of the Nigerien Armed Forces, is appointed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces,” the state’s national television said.
No reason was given for Barmou’s replacement.
General Abdourahmane Abou Zataka will take over Kiaou’s previous post as army chief of staff, while the same decree also makes changes to deputy posts in the Air Force and Army.
The reshuffle follows the August 28-29 mutiny, when soldiers attacked Air Base 101 and other strategic sites across Niamey. State media said dozens of mutineers were killed or arrested before loyalist forces regained control.
The government described the unrest as an attempted destabilisation and accused France of helping orchestrate it. Paris denied any involvement, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot dismissing the allegation as ‘pure fantasy’.
General Abdourahamane Tiani has ruled Niger since the July 2023 military takeover, as the country continues to battle jihadist violence.
Tiani has repeatedly accused France and other West African countries of trying to destabilise Niger, allegations Paris has denied.
Source: Viory
