Niger military government reshuffles army command weeks after deadly mutiny

New chief of staff appointed after failed mutiny tested military rulers’ grip on power.Published On 13 Sep 202613 Sep 2026Niger’s military government has named a new chief of the armed forces as it reshuffled its top military command following a failed mutiny late last month.A decree read on state television on Friday announced that General Mamane Sani Kiaou, previously the army’s chief of staff, would take over as head of the armed forces, replacing General Moussa Salaou Barmou.Recommended Stories list of 2 itemslist 1 of 2Niger military accuses France of orchestrating failed coup: What to knowlist 2 of 2France denies Niger’s accusation it orchestrated failed military mutinyend of listBoth men had held senior posts since a July 2023 coup brought a group of army officers – led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani – to power.No reason was given for Barmou’s removal.General Abdourahmane Abou Zataka has been promoted to succeed Kiaou as army chief of staff, according to the same decree.Regional broadcaster RFI reported that General Ismael K Sidi Omar has also been named the new second-in-command of the general staff. Sidi Omar previously commanded Base 101, RFI reported, the airport base ...