General Abdourahamane Tiani appoints new chief of staff in Niger after mutiny

The head of the junta in power in Niger, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has appointed a new chief of staff, two weeks after a military mutiny which shook his power, according to a press release read on public television Friday evening. At the end of August, the junta foiled, with the help of its Russian partner, a military mutiny, following fighting in several sensitive locations in Niamey including the presidency, the international airport and an adjoining military base.

“By a decree signed on September 11, 2026, General Abdourahamane Tiani appointed Brigadier General Mamane Sani Kiaou Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces,” according to the press release read on public television. General Kiaou, who until now held the position of Chief of Staff of the Army, replaces General Moussa Salaou Barmou. Both were appointed after the July 2023 coup that brought the military to power. The reason for Mr. Barmou's dismissal was not communicated.

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By another decree, General Tiani appointed General Abdourahmane Abou Zataka to succeed General Kiaou as Chief of Staff of the Army, according to the press release. Those close to General Kiaou describe him as “a seasoned field man” who notably led operations to fight against jihadist groups in the Tillabéri region (west, close to Mali and Burkina Faso) and Diffa in the south-east.

He also led the discussions which led to the departure of the French and American armies from Niger after the coup d'état of July 2023. According to official Nigerien media, General Kiaou has just completed a tour of the country's main military garrisons in order to “bring back cohesion among the soldiers”.

Niger has been led by General Abdourahamane Tiani since a putsch in July 2023 that overthrew elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who has since been detained. The junta has moved closer to Russia, which has become a privileged partner. Niamey had accused France of being behind the mutiny foiled on the night of August 28 to 29, which Paris formally denied. A usual strategy of the junta which sees the hand of Paris behind each attempt at destabilization.