Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan [/b]has been safely escorted out of Guinea-Bissau by soldiers as the country descends further into political turmoil following disputed election results and rising military interference in governance.
Jonathan reportedly travelled to the troubled West African nation as part of a joint election observation mission organised by the African Union, ECOWAS, and the West African Elders Forum, aimed at monitoring the presidential election and promoting transparency and peace.
Sources revealed that his security was immediately heightened after tensions escalated across the capital city, creating concerns for the safety of foreign delegates, diplomats, and election observers stationed in the country at the time.
He was moved under guard after heavy tension broke out across the capital.
Military Suspends Electoral Process
The political crisis reportedly intensified after a fresh military takeover occurred following claims of victory by both President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias in Sunday’s presidential election, despite the absence of any official announcement from the electoral commission.
With confusion spreading across the country, soldiers announced the immediate suspension of the entire electoral process, citing security threats and instability. They also ordered the closure of all land, air, and sea borders, effectively sealing the nation off from the outside world.
In addition to this, a nationwide curfew was imposed as armed military patrols flooded major streets and government areas to enforce order and suppress resistance.
Earlier on Thursday, lawmakers in Nigeria had urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to secure Jonathan’s safe return amid increasing fears for his safety.
The House of Representatives called on authorities to activate diplomatic channels and international engagements to ensure Jonathan and other stranded Nigerians were evacuated safely from the troubled nation.
Officers Declare “Total Control”
Reports on Wednesday revealed that Guinea-Bissau’s military officers declared “total control” of the government following the outbreak of heavy gunfire near key national assets, including the election commission’s headquarters and the presidential palace.
Election results, which were expected to be formally announced on Thursday, were instead indefinitely postponed as fear and unrest spread throughout the country.
The BBC further reported that President Embaló was allegedly arrested in Bissau by armed men in an incident that sent shockwaves across the region.
His detention reportedly happened three days after the election, which was already marred by controversy following the disqualification of the main opposition candidate.
In a later statement to Jeune Afrique, Embaló confirmed that he was arrested in his office on November 26, alleging that the army chief of staff was behind what he described as a planned coup.
Several high-ranking government officials, including Armed Forces Chief General Biaguê Na Ntan, his deputy General Mamadou Touré, and Interior Minister Botché Candé, were also said to have been detained as the military tightened its grip on power.
As the crisis continues to unfold, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, with growing calls for calm, dialogue, and a swift return to democratic rule in Guinea-Bissau.