New chief of employees appointed after failed mutiny examined army rulers’ grip on energy.
Revealed On 13 Sep 2026
Niger’s army authorities has named a brand new chief of the armed forces because it reshuffled its high army command following a failed mutiny late final month.
A decree learn on state tv on Friday introduced that Common Mamane Sani Kiaou, beforehand the military’s chief of employees, would take over as head of the armed forces, changing Common Moussa Salaou Barmou.
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Each males had held senior posts since a July 2023 coup introduced a bunch of military officers – led by Common Abdourahamane Tchiani – to energy.
No purpose was given for Barmou’s removing.
Common Abdourahmane Abou Zataka has been promoted to succeed Kiaou as military chief of employees, based on the identical decree.
Regional broadcaster RFI reported that Common Ismael Okay Sidi Omar has additionally been named the brand new second-in-command of the overall employees. Sidi Omar beforehand commanded Base 101, RFI reported, the airport base on the centre of the mutiny, and remained loyal to Tchiani all through the disaster.
The mutiny that started on August 28 lasted almost 24 hours, drawing in preventing on the presidential palace, Niamey’s worldwide airport and a close-by army base.
Largely younger troopers took fellow servicemen hostage and opened fireplace on a number of delicate websites, based on Niger’s Ministry of Defence.
Army authorities forces wanted assist from Russia’s Africa Corps, a state-backed power that has changed the mercenary group Wagner in a number of African international locations, which stepped in with floor and air assist.
Dozens of mutineers had been killed or arrested, together with three members of the presidential guard, although the federal government has not disclosed an total dying toll or mentioned what costs detained troopers would possibly face.
Analysts and diplomats informed The Related Press information company that the mutineers appeared pushed by anger over worsening assaults by armed teams and poor situations throughout the army.
Kiaou is a subject commander who has led operations towards armed teams in Niger’s western Tillaberi area and the southeastern Diffa area, and helped negotiate the withdrawal of French and United States troops after the coup.
State media reported he not too long ago accomplished a tour of the nation’s essential garrisons meant to revive unity among the many ranks.
Tchiani’s authorities seized power in July 2023 from elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who stays in detention, arguing the civilian authorities had didn’t comprise armed teams and violence.
Since then, Niger has cut military ties with France and the US and drawn nearer to Russia, even because the safety scenario has continued to deteriorate.
Niger has accused France of being behind final month’s mutiny, an allegation the French authorities dismissed as “pure fantasy”.
