Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has appointed Brigadier General Mamane Sani Kiaou as the new chief of staff of the armed forces, following last month’s thwarted army mutiny that reportedly shook the junta’s grip on power.
The appointment was announced by state television on Friday, weeks after disgruntled soldiers attacked several sensitive sites in the capital, Niamey, and took refuge in a key military base at the airport.
Supporters of the military government eventually suppressed the uprising with the help of Russian mercenaries, although the attempted mutiny reportedly triggered intense fighting in the capital.
“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 TV reported in a statement as saying.
Kiaou, who previously served as army chief of staff, replaces General Moussa Salaou Barmou.
The statement did not give a reason for Barmou’s removal.
Tiani also appointed General Abdourahmane Abou Zataka to replace Kiaou as army chief of staff, according to the statement.
Kiaou has been described by associates as a seasoned field commander and has led military operations against jihadist groups in Niger Republic’s western Tillaberi region and southeastern Diffa area.
State media reported that he recently completed a tour of the country’s major military garrisons as part of efforts aimed at “restoring cohesion among the troops.”
Kiaou also led negotiations that resulted in the withdrawal of French and United States forces from Niger Republic after the July 2023 coup.
Since taking power, Tiani has moved the country closer to Russia while distancing it from Western partners, particularly France, its former colonial power.
State television had previously accused France of being behind last month’s attempted uprising.
Tiani has ruled Niger Republic since July 2023, when the military overthrew elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who has remained in detention since the coup.
