Jonathan Returns to Nigeria After Being Trapped in Coup-Hit Guinea-Bissau

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has returned safely to Nigeria after being stranded in coup-hit Guinea-Bissau, where he had travelled to lead an election observation mission.

Jonathan arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, late Thursday, two days after military officers seized power in the West African nation. He was received on the tarmac by government officials and supporters.

Stranded During Election Monitoring Mission

The former Nigerian leader had been in Guinea-Bissau as the head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission. He was working alongside teams from the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) when the military staged the takeover.

The coup left Jonathan and several observers unable to depart immediately, prompting concerns over their safety.

However, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed he had been evacuated.

“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau,”
spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said, noting Jonathan left aboard a special flight with his delegation, including diplomat Ibn Chambas.

Coup Leaders Take Control in Guinea-Bissau

Military officers took “total control” of the country on Wednesday, suspending the electoral process and shutting the nation’s borders just days after presidential and parliamentary polls.

General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, announced that a command structure involving all branches of the armed forces had assumed power “until further notice.”

The junta arrested President Umaro Embalo, who was widely expected to win the election. The following day, the military named General Horta N’Tam as transitional leader for a one-year period.

Nigeria Condemns Coup, Calls for Restoration of Democracy

The Federal Government of Nigeria condemned the coup in the strongest terms, demanding a swift return to constitutional rule.

“This act of military insurrection undermines the democratic progress and stability of Guinea-Bissau and the entire West African sub-region,”
said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa.

Nigeria urged the military authorities to ensure the safety of detained officials and to respect democratic institutions, noting that the coup violates the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which rejects unconstitutional power seizures.