Jonathan Safe After Guinea-Bissau Coup, Nigerian Government Confirms

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is safe and has left Guinea-Bissau following the military coup that toppled the country’s government, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, told journalists in Abuja that Jonathan departed the country on a special flight alongside members of his delegation, including Mohamed Chambas.

Jonathan had been in Guinea-Bissau as part of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission, monitoring last Sunday’s presidential and legislative elections before the military declared it had taken over power.

Observers Condemn Military Takeover

In a joint statement, former Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, who led the African Union Election Observation Mission; Issifu Kamara, head of the ECOWAS observer team; and Jonathan denounced the coup, calling it a direct attempt to undermine Guinea-Bissau’s democratic process.

They appealed for calm and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the country during what they described as a “sensitive period,” stressing the importance of peace and stability for the people.

Nigeria’s Federal Government similarly condemned the coup, saying it poses a serious threat to democracy and regional stability. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the development as an unconstitutional change of government and a violation of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

Guinea-Bissau Plunged Into Crisis

The country descended into turmoil on Wednesday after military officers announced they had assumed full control, shut the borders, and halted electoral activities. Heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace, while soldiers blocked major routes.

General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, announced that a combined command of all military branches would run the country until further notice.

In a phone interview with France24, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo confirmed that he had been removed from power. AFP reported that he was inside a building near military headquarters with the chief of staff and the interior minister.

Both Embalo and opposition candidate Fernando Dias had previously claimed victory in Sunday’s polls, with provisional results expected on Thursday.

Military Claims Plot

The military leadership alleged that it uncovered a conspiracy involving “national drug lords” and weapons imports intended to disrupt the constitutional order.

Later on Thursday, the armed forces announced that all borders had been reopened. General Lansana Mansali, Inspector General of the Armed Forces, confirmed the development to AFP.

Over 6,700 security personnel, including members of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Force, had been deployed for the polls amid heightened tension. Since independence, Guinea-Bissau has seen four successful coups and multiple failed attempts, cementing its reputation for chronic political instability.