Niger’s military government announced a major reshuffle of its top command structure on Friday, naming General Mamane Sani Kiaou as the new head of the armed forces. The decree, read on state television, removes General Moussa Salaou Barmou, who had led the military since the junta seized power in a coup in July 2023.
No official reason was provided for Barmou’s dismissal. However, the move comes just weeks after the regime survived a violent mutiny that erupted on August 28. The rebellion lasted nearly 24 hours, with fighting engulfing the presidential palace, Niamey’s international airport, and adjacent military installations.
According to the same decree, General Abdourahmane Abou Zataka has been promoted to succeed Kiaou as the army’s chief of staff. Additionally, the regional broadcaster RFI reported that General Ismael K Sidi Omar has been appointed as the second-in-command of the general staff. Sidi Omar previously commanded Base 101, the airport base at the heart of the unrest, and had remained loyal to junta leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani during the crisis.
The mutiny saw young soldiers taking fellow servicemen hostage and attacking sensitive sites. Niger’s Ministry of Defence stated that military forces required support from Russia’s Africa Corps, a state-backed group that has replaced the Wagner mercenary organization in various African nations. Russian forces provided both ground and air assistance to suppress the rebellion.
While the government has not released a comprehensive death toll, dozens of mutineers were killed or arrested. Three members of the presidential guard also died during the conflict. Analysts and diplomats told the Associated Press that the insurgents were motivated by frustration over escalating attacks by armed groups and deteriorating conditions within the military ranks.
Kiaou, a field commander known for leading operations against armed groups in the Tillaberi and Diffa regions, also played a key role in negotiating the withdrawal of French and American troops following the 2023 coup. State media reported that he recently completed an inspection tour of the country’s main garrisons aimed at restoring unity among the troops.
Since overthrowing elected President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023, Tchiani’s government has severed military ties with France and the United States while deepening its alliance with Russia. Despite these shifts, the security situation in Niger has continued to worsen. The junta has accused France of orchestrating the failed mutiny, an allegation the French government has dismissed as “pure fantasy.” Bazoum remains in detention.
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