Former President Goodluck Jonathan has been safely evacuated from coup-hit Guinea-Bissau after soldiers seized power and dismantled the electoral process in the West African nation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed late Thursday that Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Observation Mission, departed Bissau 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 in a statement.
Jonathan had travelled to the country to monitor last Sunday’s presidential and legislative elections when the military suddenly announced that it had taken over power.
Tension escalated on Wednesday after senior military officers declared they had assumed “total control” of the country, suspended the electoral process and closed all borders.
General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, told journalists that a joint command of the armed forces had taken charge “until further notice.”
The military also arrested incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who had been widely projected as the frontrunner in the disputed election. By Thursday, soldiers named the army chief of staff, General Horta N’Tam, as the country’s new leader for a transitional period of one year.
Reacting sharply, the Nigerian government described the coup as “unfortunate” and a threat to regional stability.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, in the strongest possible terms, condemns this act of military insurrection which undermines the democratic progress and constitutional order of Guinea-Bissau and the entire ECOWAS sub-region,” Ebienfa wrote.
Nigeria called for the immediate restoration of democratic governance, the release of all detained officials, and strict adherence to ECOWAS protocols against unconstitutional change of government.
Election observer missions from ECOWAS, the African Union and the West African Elders Forum jointly condemned the military takeover, describing it as a deliberate attempt to derail the electoral process.
Their joint statement—signed by Jonathan; former Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi, head of the AU mission; and Issifu Baba Braimah Kamara of the ECOWAS mission—expressed shock that the coup occurred shortly after both leading presidential candidates pledged to respect the election outcome.
“We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains achieved thus far,” the observers said, urging regional bodies to intervene urgently.
Guinea-Bissau, a country long plagued by political instability, now joins a growing list of West African states grappling with military rule.
As of Thursday night, regional diplomats were still assessing the situation, while ECOWAS leaders are expected to convene an emergency meeting to determine next steps.
Jonathan, now safely out of harm’s way, is expected to brief Nigerian authorities and ECOWAS heads on his assessment of the situation.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
