Brigadier General Mamane Sani Kiaou has been appointed Chief of Defence Staff by Niger’s military government following a recent mutiny in the capital, Niamey.
The appointment of the new Niger Chief of Staff was announced on state television after a decree signed by junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani on September 11, 2026.
Kiaou replaces General Moussa Salaou Barmou, although authorities did not publicly give a reason for the change.
General Abdourahmane Abou Zataka was also appointed Chief of Staff of the Army, replacing Kiaou in that position.
Kiaou previously served as chief of staff of the Nigerien army and has been involved in military operations against armed groups in areas including Tillaberi and Diffa.
The leadership changes come about two weeks after mutinous soldiers attacked sensitive sites in Niamey, including areas around the airport and the presidential complex. Nigerien security forces eventually regained control of the affected locations.
Africanews, citing AFP, reported that the mutiny involved fighting at several locations in the capital and that the military leadership changes came as the authorities sought to strengthen control of the security apparatus.
Kiaou has also previously been involved in Niger’s military relations with foreign partners. He was among the Nigerien military officials involved in the withdrawal of French forces from the country following the 2023 coup.
Niger has been under military rule since the July 2023 coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum. The country has since ended several longstanding security partnerships with Western countries and strengthened its relationship with Russia.
The latest changes represent a significant adjustment to Niger’s military leadership at a time when the country continues to face attacks by armed groups and internal security challenges.
Authorities have not publicly explained why Barmou was replaced.
Source: Channels Television / AFP