Niger’s military government has reshuffled its top command, appointing Brigadier General Mamane Sani Kiaou as the new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.
The change comes weeks after a failed army mutiny in the capital, Niamey, raised fresh questions about the stability of General Abdourahamane Tiani’s government.
State television announced the appointment on Friday, saying the junta leader signed the decree on September 11, 2026.
Kiaou takes over from General Moussa Salaou Barmou, whose removal was announced without an explanation.
The reshuffle also affects the army’s leadership. General Abdourahmane Abou Zataka has been named to replace Kiaou as Army Chief of Staff.
The appointments follow a violent mutiny that erupted in Niamey last month. Disgruntled soldiers reportedly attacked strategic locations before retreating to a major military base near the airport.
The attempted uprising was eventually crushed by forces loyal to Tiani, with support from Russian mercenaries. The confrontation reportedly involved heavy fighting in parts of the capital.
Kiaou returns to the top military command with extensive battlefield experience. He has played a major role in Niger’s operations against jihadist groups, particularly in the western Tillaberi region and southeastern Diffa area.
His recent tour of military formations across Niger was aimed at rebuilding unity within the armed forces, according to state media.
The new military chief has also been involved in Niger’s negotiations with Western powers. He played a role in the discussions that preceded the withdrawal of French and US troops from the country after the 2023 coup.
Kiaou’s appointment could therefore signal an effort by the junta to strengthen discipline and cohesion within the military following the failed mutiny.
Tiani seized power in July 2023 after overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum, who has remained in detention since the coup.
Since taking control, Tiani’s government has significantly reduced Niger’s military and diplomatic ties with Western countries while deepening its relationship with Russia.
State media had previously accused France of involvement in the failed uprising, although no independent evidence confirming the allegation was provided.
The latest command changes come as Tiani faces the challenge of maintaining unity within the military while Niger continues to battle jihadist insurgencies across several regions.