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Niger’s military government has reshuffled its top military command following a failed mutiny last month, replacing the country’s armed forces chief amid continuing security challenges.
A decree read on state television on Friday named General Mamane Sani Kiaou, the former army chief of staff, as the new head of the armed forces, replacing General Moussa Salaou Barmou, reports Aljazeera.
No reason was given for Barmou’s removal.
General Abdourahmane Abou Zataka was appointed to succeed Kiaou as army chief of staff, while General Ismael K Sidi Omar was named deputy chief of the general staff, according to regional broadcaster RFI.
Sidi Omar previously commanded Base 101 at Niamey’s international airport, which was among the sites involved in last month’s mutiny. He reportedly remained loyal to military leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani during the unrest.
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The mutiny began on August 28 and lasted nearly 24 hours, with fighting reported at the presidential palace, the international airport and a nearby military base.
Niger’s Defence Ministry said mostly young soldiers took fellow servicemen hostage and opened fire at several sensitive locations.
Government forces received support from Russia’s Africa Corps, which provided ground and air assistance during the operation to suppress the mutiny.
Dozens of soldiers were reportedly killed or arrested, including three members of the presidential guard.
The government has not released an overall death toll or disclosed the charges facing detained soldiers.
Analysts and diplomats cited by The Associated Press said the mutiny appeared to have been driven partly by frustration over worsening attacks by armed groups and poor conditions within the military.
Kiaou has commanded military operations against armed groups in the western Tillaberi and southeastern Diffa regions. He also played a role in negotiations surrounding the withdrawal of French and United States forces from Niger following the 2023 coup.
State media reported that he recently toured major military garrisons as part of efforts to strengthen unity within the armed forces.
Tchiani’s military government seized power in July 2023 from elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who remains detained.
Since the coup, Niger has ended military cooperation with France and the United States and strengthened ties with Russia, while attacks by armed groups have continued.
The government has accused France of involvement in last month’s mutiny, a claim Paris has dismissed as “pure fantasy.”
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