Niger’s has appointed a new chief of staff, state TV reported on Friday, after a thwarted army mutiny last month.
Mutinous soldiers in the West African country attacked the airport and the presidency in the capital, Niamey, on August 29.
Explosions and gunfire also rang out at a military airbase, but Niger’s army regained control over it.
“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 a statement as saying.
Kiaou, who previously served as army chief of staff, replaces General Moussa Salaou Barmou.
The statement did not say why Barmou had been dismissed.
‘Seasoned field commander’
Tiani also appointed General Abdourahmane Abou Zataka to succeed Kiaou as army chief of staff, the statement added.
Described as a “seasoned field commander” by associates, Kiaou has led a fight against terrorist groups in Niger’s western Tillaberi region and in the southeastern Diffa area.
Nigerien state media reported that he recently concluded a tour of the country’s key military garrisons aimed at “restoring cohesion among the troops.”
Kiaou also led negotiations that resulted in the withdrawal of French and US forces from Niger following the July 2023 coup.
State television had previously broadcast accusations that France was behind last month’s uprising.
