Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has safely left Guinea-Bissau following the recent military takeover in the West African nation.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Jonathan departed on a special flight alongside members of his delegation, including Ibm Chambas. “Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is safe and out of Guinea-Bissau,” ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said.
Jonathan, serving as the chair of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission, was in Guinea-Bissau monitoring last Sunday’s presidential and legislative elections when the military seized control.
The coup unfolded three days after the elections, with military officers taking “total control” of the country, suspending the electoral process, and closing borders. Early on Wednesday, General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, announced that a command representing all branches of the armed forces would lead the country “until further notice.” The military also detained President Umaro Embalo, who had been favored to win the elections.
On Thursday, the military named General Horta N’Tam, the army chief of staff, as the country’s interim leader for one year.
Nigeria Condemns the Coup
The Nigerian government strongly condemned the military takeover, calling it “unfortunate” and a threat to democratic progress in Guinea-Bissau and the wider West African region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the action as a “blatant violation” of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which explicitly rejects any rise to power through unconstitutional means.
“We stand with the people of Guinea-Bissau and call for the immediate restoration of constitutional order, the safety of all detainees, and full respect for the country’s democratic institutions,” the ministry said.
Calls for the Release of Officials
Election observers from ECOWAS and the African Union also expressed concern over the coup, urging the military to release detained officials. The statement was jointly signed by Jonathan, former Mozambican President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, and ECOWAS Election Observation Mission head Issifu Baba Braimah Kamara.
The observers noted that the takeover came just after meetings with the two leading presidential candidates, both of whom had expressed willingness to accept the election results. They called the coup a “blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process” and urged both ECOWAS and the African Union to take immediate action to restore constitutional order.
