Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is currently stranded in Guinea-Bissau following a military takeover that occurred yesterday.
The coup came just one day before the official announcement of the presidential election results. The military leaders, identifying themselves as the "High Military Command for the Restoration of Order," declared the immediate suspension of the electoral process "until further notice," imposed an overnight curfew, and closed all land, air, and sea borders.
Top Officials Arrested
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló confirmed his detention in a phone call with French broadcaster France24, stating, "I have been deposed. I am currently at the general staff headquarters."
Domingos Simões Pereira, leader of the main opposition PAIGC party, has also been arrested.
An observer noted, "The man supposed to protect the president himself has put the president under arrest," referring to Denis N’Canha, the army officer leading the coup.
Stranded Election Observers
Jonathan, leading the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) election observation mission, shared updates from Guinea-Bissau prior to the coup. Upon arrival, he posted:
"We arrived in Bissau this evening as members of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Mission ahead of Guinea-Bissau’s presidential and parliamentary polls scheduled for November 23, 2025. We wish the people of Guinea-Bissau peaceful, inclusive, and transparent elections."
On election day, he added:
"Members of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Mission conducted visits to some polling stations in Bissau as voting commenced… WAEF extends warm regards to the people and authorities of Guinea-Bissau and wishes for a smooth voting process and a peaceful, stable post-election period."
Jonathan’s Safety Confirmed
Attempts to reach Jonathan’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Eze, were unsuccessful. However, former spokesman Ima Niboro told Daily Trust:
"I spoke with Jonathan, and he assured me that he is safe."
Condemnation of the Coup
In a joint statement, Jonathan and other African leaders condemned the military takeover:
"We express deep concern over the announcement of a coup d’état by the armed forces while the nation awaited the election results. We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process. We call on the African Union and ECOWAS to take the necessary steps to restore constitutional order. We urge the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm and reaffirm our commitment to supporting the country on its democratic path."
Source: gistreel
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