Niger’s military ruler, General Abdourahamane Tiani, appointed Brigadier General Mamane Sani Kiaou as the new chief of staff of the armed forces on Friday, replacing General Moussa Salaou Barmou weeks after a failed military mutiny in the capital, Niamey.

State television announced the appointment without explaining why Barmou had been removed or directly linking the change to the mutiny. Its timing, however, raises questions about efforts to reorganise the military leadership and restore cohesion following the recent unrest.

In late August, soldiers attacked several sensitive sites in Niamey before some of them barricaded themselves inside Air Base 101, located near Diori Hamani International Airport.

Heavy gunfire and the use of heavy weapons were reported across parts of the capital. The authorities later announced that they had contained what they described as a “mood movement” or protest by a group of soldiers and had regained control of the affected sites.

According to the account presented by Nigerien authorities, members of Russia’s Africa Corps—a military formation that has succeeded the Wagner Group in several Russian operations in Africa—supported forces loyal to the government during the fighting.

The Nigerien authorities subsequently accused France of encouraging the soldiers involved and contributing to an attempt to destabilise the country. Paris categorically denied the allegations.

A Field Commander Takes Over the Army

Kiaou is known for his combat experience and for leading military operations against armed groups in Tillabéri, western Niger, and Diffa in the southeast—two of the regions most severely affected by militant violence.

People close to him describe him as a “seasoned field commander.” State media also reported that he recently completed a tour of major military bases intended to restore discipline and cohesion among the armed forces.

Kiaou also played a leading role in negotiations that resulted in the withdrawal of French and, later, US forces from Niger following the July 2023 coup.

His appointment places an officer with extensive combat experience and direct links to field units at the centre of the army’s leadership at a time when the military authorities face two simultaneous challenges: escalating attacks by armed groups and signs of internal tension within the armed forces.

Tiani has ruled Niger since the July 2023 overthrow of elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who remains in detention.