Niger military government reshuffles army command weeks after deadly mutiny

What the report says

Niger’s military government has replaced its top army commander and made other senior changes after a failed mutiny late last month tested the ruling junta’s control. A decree read on state television on Friday named General Mamane Sani Kiaou, who had been chief of staff, as the new head of the armed forces. He replaces General Moussa Salaou Barmou. The announcement did not give a reason for Barmou’s removal.

The same decree promoted General Abdourahmane Abou Zataka to Kiaou’s former post. Regional broadcaster RFI also reported that General Ismael K Sidi Omar was named deputy chief of the general staff. According to that report, Sidi Omar had previously led Base 101, the airport facility that was at the center of the mutiny, and had remained loyal to the government during the crisis.

The mutiny began on August 28 and reportedly involved fighting at the presidential palace, Niamey’s international airport and a nearby military base. Niger’s defense ministry said mostly young soldiers took fellow servicemen hostage and fired on sensitive sites. The government said its forces were backed by Russia’s Africa Corps, which provided ground and air support. Officials have said dozens of mutineers were killed or arrested, along with three presidential guard members, but they have not released a full death toll or details of any charges.

The reshuffle comes as Niger’s junta, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani since the July 2023 coup, continues to face security pressure from armed groups and strains inside the military. Background reported by Al Jazeera also notes that Niger has turned away from France and the United States and closer to Russia since the takeover, while tensions with Paris remain high after Niger accused France of involvement in the mutiny, an allegation France denied.