Published 2 hours ago • loading... • Updated 2 hours ago
Niger’s junta leader appoints new head of military following mutiny
The appointment follows a mutiny that left dozens of soldiers dead or arrested and prompted a second command change in the army.
On Friday, General Abdourahamane Tiani appointed Brigadier General Mamane Sani Kiaou as Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Moussa Salaou Barmou, who served since the 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
The leadership reshuffle follows a thwarted mutiny last month in the capital, Niamey, where disgruntled soldiers attacked sensitive sites, including a base at Diori Hamani International Airport.
Russia's Africa Corps intervened with ground and aerial support to help presidential guard forces regain control; dozens of mutineers were killed or arrested, and three presidential guard members died.
In the same decree, Tiani named Brigadier General Abdourahmane Abou Zataka as the new army chief of staff, though state television did not disclose the reason for Barmou's dismissal.
Described as a "seasoned field commander" by associates, Kiaou has led operations against jihadist groups in the western Tillaberi region and southeastern Diffa area, having previously served as army chief of staff.
The head of the ruling junta in Niger has appointed a new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, two weeks after the military mutiny that shook his power.