Failed mutiny sparks Niger military shake-up, as govt keeps mute on overall death toll

The mutiny began on August 28 and lasted nearly 24 hours, with fighting reported at the presidential palace, the international airport and a nearby military base.

Niger’s Defence Ministry said mostly young soldiers took fellow servicemen hostage and opened fire at several sensitive locations.

Government forces received support from Russia’s Africa Corps, which provided ground and air assistance during the operation to suppress the mutiny.

Dozens of soldiers were reportedly killed or arrested, including three members of the presidential guard.

The government has not released an overall death toll or disclosed the charges facing detained soldiers.

Analysts and diplomats cited by The Associated Press said the mutiny appeared to have been driven partly by frustration over worsening attacks by armed groups and poor conditions within the military.

Kiaou has commanded military operations against armed groups in the western Tillaberi and southeastern Diffa regions. He also played a role in negotiations surrounding the withdrawal of French and United States forces from Niger following the 2023 coup.

State media reported that he recently toured major military garrisons as part of efforts to strengthen unity within the armed forces.

Tchiani’s military government seized power in July 2023 from elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who remains detained.

Since the coup, Niger has ended military cooperation with France and the United States and strengthened ties with Russia, while attacks by armed groups have continued.

The government has accused France of involvement in last month’s mutiny, a claim Paris has dismissed as “pure fantasy.”

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