Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has safely left Guinea-Bissau following the military takeover that disrupted the country’s government, the Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told journalists in Abuja on Thursday, “Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau.
He departed on a special flight along with members of his delegation, including Mohamed Chambas.”
Jonathan had been in Guinea-Bissau as head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission, overseeing the presidential and legislative elections held last Sunday.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, Jonathan, along with Filipe Nyusi, former president of Mozambique and head of the African Union Election Observation Mission, and Issifu Kamara, head of the Economic Community of West African States, Election Observation Mission, condemned the military coup.
“This is a direct attempt to disrupt Guinea-Bissau’s democratic process,” the statement said.
“We call for calm among residents and reaffirm our support for Guinea-Bissau during this sensitive period. Preserving peace, stability, and the well-being of the people remains crucial.”
The Nigerian government also condemned the coup, describing it as a serious threat to both democracy and regional stability.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it viewed the development “with profound dismay and deep concern” and criticized the unconstitutional change of government as a breach of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
Guinea-Bissau descended into chaos on Wednesday after military officers declared “total control” of the country, suspended electoral activities, and closed borders. Heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace, with soldiers blocking major roads.
General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, announced that a command comprising all branches of the armed forces had assumed leadership of the country “until further notice.”
In a phone call with France24, incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo stated, “I have been deposed,” while reportedly remaining inside a building near the military headquarters.
The military cited a plot involving “national drug lords” and weapons smuggling aimed at altering the constitutional order. Later on Thursday, General Lansana Mansali, Inspector General of the Armed Forces, confirmed that Guinea-Bissau’s borders had been reopened.
Over 6,700 security personnel, including ECOWAS Stabilisation Force members, had been deployed for the elections amid rising political tensions. Guinea-Bissau, one of the world’s poorest nations, has experienced multiple coups since independence, with four successful military takeovers and several failed attempts.
