Former President Goodluck Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has safely left Guinea-Bissau after a sudden military takeover upended the country’s electoral process.
Jonathan had been in the country leading the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission during last Sunday’s presidential and legislative polls.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the former president’s safe evacuation, noting that he departed on a special flight alongside members of his delegation.
“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau.
“He left with a special flight with members of his delegation, including Ibm Chambas,” the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said.
Jonathan and his team had been monitoring the tightly contested elections when the military abruptly announced it had seized power.
*Military takes over, President arrested*
Tension escalated in Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday as military officers declared they had taken “total control” of the country.
Borders were shut and the electoral process suspended just three days after citizens voted.
General Denis N’Canha, who heads the presidential military office, told journalists that a joint command “composed of all branches of the armed forces” had taken charge “until further notice.”
The military detained President Umaro Embaló, who had been widely projected to win Sunday’s polls.
By Thursday, soldiers named the army’s chief of staff, General Horta N’Tam, as interim leader for a one-year period.
*Nigeria condemns coup, calls for restoration of democracy*
The Nigerian government reacted strongly, denouncing the coup as a dangerous setback for democratic governance in the region.
In a statement, the Foreign Affairs Ministry described the development as “unfortunate,” insisting that it violated core ECOWAS protocols.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, in the strongest possible terms, condemns this act of military insurrection…” Ebienfa wrote on behalf of the ministry.
“This coup d’état represents a blatant violation of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.”
He added that Nigeria stands “in solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau,” urging the immediate release of detainees and the full restoration of constitutional rule.
*ECOWAS, AU observers demand release of detained officials*
Regional and continental election observers also expressed alarm, insisting that the military must free arrested officials and return power to civilian authorities.
The joint statement was signed by Jonathan; former Mozambican President and AU mission head, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi; and ECOWAS mission chief, Issifu Baba Braimah Kamara.
“It’s regrettable that this announcement came at a time when the missions had just concluded a meeting with the two leading presidential candidates, who assured us of their willingness to accept the will of the people,” the observers said.
“We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process… We request the African Union and the ECOWAS to take the necessary steps to restore constitutional order.”
As the crisis deepens, regional bodies are now under pressure to prevent yet another democratic reversal in West Africa.
