Former President Goodluck Jonathan is safe after Guinea-Bissau military coup, leaving the country as Nigeria calls for swift restoration of democracy.
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is safe and has departed Guinea-Bissau following a military coup that toppled the country’s government, the Federal Government confirmed on Thursday.
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa told journalists in Abuja that Jonathan left with a special flight alongside members of his delegation, including Mohamed Chambas.
Jonathan had been in Guinea-Bissau leading the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission during last Sunday’s presidential and legislative elections when the military seized power.
The House of Representatives had urged President Bola Tinubu’s government to take urgent diplomatic action to ensure Jonathan’s safety.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu described the matter as an “important emergency,” while House Leader Prof.
Julius Ihonvbere highlighted Jonathan’s extensive experience as an election observer across several countries.
The House unanimously adopted a resolution calling for all diplomatic channels to be activated for his immediate evacuation.
On Wednesday, military officers declared “total control” of Guinea-Bissau, arresting incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, suspending the electoral process, and closing the country’s borders. Heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace, soldiers blocked major roads, and a curfew was imposed.
The military cited “national instability,” “electoral irregularities,” and the need to restore order. Opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira and several senior officials were also detained.
The Federal Government condemned the coup as a serious threat to democracy and regional stability. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the military action as a “blatant violation” of ECOWAS protocols on democracy, urging the immediate restoration of constitutional order and the protection of those detained.
Jonathan, alongside former Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi and ECOWAS Election Observation Mission head Issifu Kamara, issued a joint statement condemning the coup and appealing for calm among residents while reaffirming their commitment to supporting Guinea-Bissau during the crisis.
The military appointed General Horta N’Tam, the army chief of staff, to lead the country for one year. N’Tam justified the takeover as necessary to prevent threats to democracy.
Guinea-Bissau, one of the world’s poorest nations and a hub for transatlantic drug trafficking, has experienced repeated political instability since independence in 1974.
The international community expressed concern. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged caution, Portugal called for restraint, and Reporters Without Borders warned that media restrictions violated the public’s right to information.
ECOWAS and the African Union condemned the coup, reaffirming zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government.
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Ebienfa affirmed that Nigeria would work closely with regional and international partners to restore stability and constitutional governance in Guinea-Bissau, reinforcing its commitment to promoting democracy and peace across Africa.
