Niger names new chief of staff after mutiny

Niger's junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani has appointed Brigadier General Mamane Sani Kiaou as chief of staff of the armed forces, state television reported, following a thwarted army mutiny in Niamey last month.

State television reported that the appointment was made by a decree signed on September 11, 2026. Kiaou, who previously served as army chief of staff, replaces General Moussa Salaou Barmou. The statement did not say why Barmou was dismissed.

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

The attempted uprising involved disgruntled soldiers attacking several sensitive sites in Niamey and taking positions in a key military base at the airport. Supporters of the military government put down the mutiny with help from Russian mercenaries.

Kiaou has led operations against jihadist groups in Niger's western Tillaberi region and southeastern Diffa area. Nigerien state media reported that he recently completed a tour of key military garrisons aimed at restoring cohesion among troops.

Kiaou also led negotiations that resulted in the withdrawal of French and US forces from Niger after the July 2023 coup. Niger has been run by Tiani since that coup toppled elected president Mohamed Bazoum, who has been detained ever since.

Tiani has moved Niger closer to Russia and away from Western partners, including former colonial power France. State television had previously broadcast accusations that France was behind last month's uprising.