Jonathan Safely Leaves Guinea-Bissau Amid Military Coup

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has safely left Guinea-Bissau after a military coup overthrew the government, according to Nigeria’s Federal Government. The confirmation was given in Abuja by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

Jonathan had traveled to Guinea-Bissau as the head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission. He was in the country to monitor the recent presidential and legislative elections when soldiers announced they had taken control of the government.

After the takeover, Jonathan, alongside other international election observers, condemned the actions of the military and called for calm among citizens. They also expressed support for the people of Guinea-Bissau during the tense period and urged the need for peace and stability.

The Nigerian government also condemned the coup, describing it as an illegal change of government and a threat to democracy and regional peace. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the action went against ECOWAS rules on democratic governance.

The crisis began after heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace. Soldiers shut down major roads, closed national borders, and halted election activities. A military command, led by General Denis N’Canha, announced it was taking temporary control of the country.

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo later said he was removed from office and was inside a secured location with senior officials. Both Embalo and his main opponent, Fernando Dias, had earlier claimed victory in the disputed election, with results still pending.

The military claimed it stopped a plot involving drug traffickers and illegal arms to change the country’s constitutional order. Later in the day, military leaders announced that the country’s borders had been reopened.

More than 6,700 security personnel, including ECOWAS forces, were deployed before the elections due to rising political tension. Guinea-Bissau has a long history of military takeovers and political instability since independence.