Niger Names New Army Chief After Thwarted Mutiny

Niger’s military leader, Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani, has appointed Gen. Maman Sani Kiau as the new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, following a reshuffle of the country’s top military leadership.

Kiau, who previously served as Chief of Staff of the Army, replaces Gen. Moussa Barmou, according to four decrees read on national television on Friday.

The appointments came about two weeks after a mutiny at Base 101 in Niamey, which Nigerien authorities said was thwarted.

Gen. Abdourahmane Abou Zataka was appointed the new Chief of Staff of the Army, replacing Kiau in the position.

The reshuffle also included two other senior military appointments as part of the restructuring of the armed forces’ command hierarchy.

The changes followed heightened tensions within the military after the attempted mutiny, which prompted demonstrations in Niamey in support of the authorities and the country’s military leadership.

The latest appointments are expected to strengthen the command structure of Niger’s armed forces as the country continues to confront security challenges linked to armed groups operating across the Sahel.

Niger has been ruled by a military government since the 2023 coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum, with Tiani subsequently consolidating control over the country’s political and security institutions.