Latest news in Niger? September 13th, 2026

Military Leadership Shakeup Niger’s ruling military junta appointed a new head of the armed forces following a recent internal mutiny. Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou, a founding member of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) who played a central role in the 2023 coup, was removed as armed forces chief of staff amid a restructuring of high command. Daily Pioneer+ 1Aftermath of Coup Attempt and Mutiny Security remains tightened across Niamey following an attempted mutiny and unrest that occurred in late August. The military administration announced it had contained the revolt and carried out multiple arrests among military personnel suspected of involvement. Al Jazeera+ 1Diplomatic and Geopolitical Tensions Tensions between Niger’s ruling junta and Western governments remain high. The administration recently accused France of attempting to orchestrate instability and undermine the government through the mutiny, allegations that French officials have strongly denied. At the same time, Niger continues to deepen defense and strategic ties with its Sahel Alliance (AES) partnersMali and Burkina Fasoas well as Russia. Al JazeeraSecurity & Border Situation Security operations are ongoing in western border areas facing persistent insurgent threats from militant groups operating in the tri-border Liptako-Gourma region. Nigerien armed forces continue conducting counter-terrorism patrols to secure transit corridors and rural communities from non-state armed actors. CBS News