Niger’s junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has appointed Brigadier General Mamane Sani Kiaou as chief of staff of the armed forces, state television reported on Friday.
The appointment comes weeks after a failed army mutiny that involved fighting in the capital, Niamey, and reportedly tested Tiani’s grip on power.
Supporters of the military government, backed by Russian mercenaries, suppressed the uprising after disgruntled soldiers attacked sensitive sites and took refuge at a key military base near the airport.
According to state television, Tiani signed a decree on September 11 appointing Kiaou to replace General Moussa Salaou Barmou. No reason was given for Barmou’s removal.
Tiani also appointed General Abdourahmane Abou Zataka to replace Kiaou as army chief of staff.
Kiaou, described by associates as a seasoned field commander, has led military operations against jihadist groups in the western Tillaberi region and southeastern Diffa area.
State media said he recently toured key military garrisons as part of efforts to “restore cohesion among the troops.”
Kiaou also played a role in negotiations that led to the withdrawal of French and US forces from Niger following the July 2023 coup.
Tiani has since moved Niger closer to Russia while distancing the country from Western partners, particularly France, its former colonial power.
Niger has been under Tiani’s rule since the July 2023 coup that ousted elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who remains detained.
Nigerien state television has previously accused France of involvement in last month’s attempted uprising.
