Niger military leadership faces internal power struggles and purges

Niger's military government is facing internal instability characterized by leadership purges and power struggles over strategic resources. Brigadier General Moussa Salaou Barmou, a key figure in the 2023 coup and a highly trained officer with American military expertise, has been removed from his position as Chief of Staff and placed under house arrest following a failed mutiny at Air Base 101 in late August.

Simultaneously, tensions are rising within the regime regarding the Commandement des Forces de Protection et de Développement (CFPD). Established by decree to secure critical mining and petroleum infrastructure, the CFPD has become a focal point for influence battles between top officials due to its significant monthly budget of 1.8 billion FCFA in personnel allowances.

In an effort to bolster operational capacity, the Fonds de Solidarité pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie (FSSP) has begun distributing motorcycles and ambulances to security forces to improve mobility and medical evacuations during counter-terrorism operations.