Summary
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has made his way back to Nigeria after being stuck in Guinea-Bissau, where a sudden military takeover disrupted his election observation duties.
Jonathan touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja late Thursday, marking his return nearly two days after soldiers seized control of the West African nation.
He arrived aboard an aircraft provided by the Guinea-Bissau government and was received on the airport tarmac by supporters and government officials. Jonathan had travelled to the country as the head of the West African Elders Forum Observation Mission to oversee both the presidential and parliamentary elections.
While Jonathan’s team, alongside delegations from the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), was actively monitoring the electoral process, the military abruptly took charge in Guinea-Bissau, leaving him and other observers unable to leave immediately and sparking concerns about their wellbeing.
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed Jonathan’s safety and departure. According to ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, “Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau.” He added that Jonathan left the country “with a special flight with members of his delegation, including Ibm Chambas.”
The military rulers in Guinea-Bissau announced they had taken “total control” on Wednesday. They halted the electoral process and shut the nation’s borders soon after the elections. Following the power grab, General Denis N’Canha, the head of the presidential military office, declared that a command “composed of all branches of the armed forces” would assume leadership “until further notice.”
President Umaro Embalo, who had been widely expected to secure re-election, was arrested by the coup plotters. A day after the takeover, the military named the army’s chief of staff, General Horta N’Tam, as Guinea-Bissau’s new leader for a one-year transition period.
In response to the upheaval, Nigeria strongly condemned the military action and urged the reinstatement of democratic governance in the country. According to Ebienfa, “The Federal Government of Nigeria, in the strongest possible terms, condemns this act of military insurrection which undermines the democratic progress, constitutional order, and stability not only of Guinea-Bissau but of the entire West African sub-region.”
He stated that the coup was a clear breach of the ideals outlined in the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which rejects any rise to power through unlawful means. Nigeria reiterated its support for the people of Guinea-Bissau, calling for the “immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order,” the protection of individuals detained during the turmoil, and respect for the country’s democratic institutions.
What You Should Know
Goodluck Jonathan returned to Nigeria safely after being stranded in Guinea-Bissau due to a sudden military coup that disrupted his election monitoring duties.
The coup halted the electoral process, arrested the sitting president, and installed a transitional military leader.
Nigeria strongly condemned the military takeover and called for a swift return to constitutional rule in the country.
