Niger’s Military Leadership Overhauled After Failed Coup Attempt

Niger’s President General Abdourahmane Tiani signed presidential decrees on Saturday formalizing sweeping changes to the country’s top military leadership.

Key Appointments Announced

The decrees named Brigadier General Mamani Sani Kiawou as the new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, succeeding Brigadier General Moussa Salao Barma. In parallel, Brigadier General Abdourahmane Abou Zatanka was appointed Chief of Staff of the Army, replacing Kiawou in that post.

Context of the Restructuring

The appointments follow an official announcement by the Nigerien Ministry of Defence on 29 August stating that authorities had foiled a mutiny attempt carried out by a group of soldiers at Base 101, located near Niamey International Airport.

Armed clashes erupted during the incident, resulting in fatalities among those involved in the attempted uprising.