The Federal Government has confirmed the safe evacuation of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. He has left Guinea-Bissau following a military coup that disrupted the nation’s governance.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, verified the development. He addressed the press in Abuja on Thursday.
“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau,” Ebienfa stated. “He left with a special flight with members of his delegation.”
Caught in the Crossfire
The former Nigerian leader was in Bissau on official duty. He served as the head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission.
Jonathan and his team were monitoring the presidential and legislative elections held last Sunday. However, the military suddenly announced a takeover of the government.
International Condemnation
Prior to his departure, Jonathan joined other diplomats to rebuke the intervention.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, the coalition of observers described the coup as a direct assault on democracy. The envoys appealed for calm. Furthermore, they reaffirmed their solidarity with the citizens of Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria Rejects Unconstitutional Takeover
Back in Abuja, the Federal Government issued a stern condemnation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “profound dismay.” They categorized the action as an “unconstitutional change of government.”
The government warned that the coup poses a severe threat to regional stability. Moreover, it violates the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
A Nation in Turmoil
The crisis erupted on Wednesday. Military officers declared they had assumed “total control.” Heavy gunfire marked the takeover near the presidential palace.
General Denis N’Canha announced a new command structure. This body will lead the country “until further notice.”
The political situation remains fluid. Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló confirmed he had been deposed. Reports suggest he is detained at a military facility.
The chaos follows a contentious election. Both President Embaló and his rival, Fernando Dias, had prematurely declared victory. The junta justifies its intervention by alleging a plot involving “national drug lords.”
While borders were initially closed, authorities announced their reopening on Thursday. Guinea-Bissau has now experienced another significant disruption to its democratic journey.
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