Niger’s junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has appointed Brigadier General Mamane Sani Kiaou as the new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces following a foiled army mutiny that reportedly shook the military government last month.

State television reported on Friday that the appointment was contained in a decree signed by Tiani on September 11, 2026.

Kiaou, who previously served as Army Chief of Staff, replaces General Moussa Salaou Barmou. The statement did not give reasons for Barmou’s removal.

The leadership change comes weeks after disgruntled soldiers launched an attempted uprising in Niamey, attacking several sensitive sites before taking refuge at a key military base near the airport.

Forces loyal to the military government, reportedly assisted by Russian mercenaries, eventually quelled the mutiny after intense fighting in the capital.

Tiani also appointed General Abdourahmane Abou Zataka to succeed Kiaou as Army Chief of Staff.

Kiaou, described by associates as a seasoned field commander, has led military operations against jihadist groups in Niger’s western Tillaberi region and the southeastern Diffa area.

State media reported that he recently completed a tour of major military garrisons across the country aimed at “restoring cohesion among the troops.”

He also led negotiations that resulted in 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 its Western partners, particularly France, its former colonial power.

Tiani seized power in July 2023 after overthrowing elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who has remained in detention since the coup.

Nigerien state television had previously accused France of being behind last month’s attempted uprising.