Former Nigerian President Jonathan Evacuated Amid Guinea-Bissau Coup, Regional Democracy Under Threat
ABUJA – The Nigerian government confirmed on Thursday that former President Goodluck Jonathan has been safely evacuated from Guinea-Bissau following a military coup that has thrown the West African nation into turmoil and threatens to derail its fragile democratic process.
A High-Profile Evacuation
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that Jonathan departed Guinea-Bissau on a special flight alongside members of his delegation, including prominent diplomat Mohamed Chambas. The former Nigerian leader had been in the country leading the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission to monitor presidential and legislative elections held last Sunday.
The evacuation comes as military forces seized control of government institutions, suspended electoral activities, and closed the country’s borders—actions that have drawn widespread condemnation from regional bodies and international observers.
Regional Leaders Condemn Constitutional Breach
In a powerful joint statement issued before his evacuation, Jonathan joined other regional leaders in condemning what they described as “a direct attempt to disrupt Guinea-Bissau’s democratic process.” The statement, co-signed by Filipe Nyusi, former president of Mozambique and Head of the African Union Election Observation Mission, and Issifu Kamara, Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, emphasized the importance of preserving peace and stability for the Bissau-Guinean people.
Nigeria’s Strong Stance Against Military Takeover
The Nigerian Federal Government expressed “profound dismay and deep concern” over the developments, characterizing the military action as a serious threat to democracy and regional stability. In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the coup as resulting in “an unconstitutional change of government” and explicitly stated that the action violates the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
This firm position aligns with Nigeria’s historical role as a regional stabilizer and reflects growing concern about the resurgence of military interventions in West Africa, which has experienced several coups in recent years.
Chaos and Confusion in Bissau
The coup unfolded dramatically on Wednesday as military officers declared “total control” of the country. Heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace, with soldiers blocking major access routes throughout the capital.
Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo confirmed his deposition in a phone call with France24, stating simply: “I have been deposed.” According to AFP reports, he was reportedly trapped inside a building behind military headquarters alongside the chief of staff and interior minister.
Military Justification and Electoral Uncertainty
The military leadership, headed by General Denis N’Canha, justified its actions by claiming to have uncovered a plot involving “national drug lords” and the importation of weapons “to alter the constitutional order.” This explanation comes amid significant political tension, with both President Embalo and opposition candidate Fernando Dias having already claimed victory in Sunday’s polls.
By Thursday, military authorities announced the reopening of the country’s borders, with General Lansana Mansali, Inspector General of the Armed Forces, telling AFP that “all borders are now open.” However, the suspension of electoral activities and the military’s seizure of power have created profound uncertainty about when—or if—the election results will be recognized.
Historical Context of Instability
Guinea-Bissau’s latest political crisis fits a troubling historical pattern for one of the world’s poorest countries. Since gaining independence, the nation has experienced four successful coups and several attempted takeovers, creating a cycle of instability that has hampered economic development and democratic consolidation.
The recent elections had been seen as a critical test for the country’s democratic institutions, with more than 6,700 security personnel, including members of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Force, deployed to ensure peaceful voting. The military’s intervention represents a significant setback for regional efforts to promote democratic governance.
This report is based on information from the original source.