Nigeria condemns G’Bissau coup, Jonathan evacuated by special flight
Goodluck Jonathan Safe After Guinea-Bissau Coup – Nigeria Confirms Evacuation
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been safely evacuated from Guinea-Bissau following a sudden military coup that toppled the West African nation’s government. The confirmation was issued on Thursday by the Federal Government.
According to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Jonathan “is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau,” adding that he departed via a special flight alongside members of his delegation, including diplomat Mohamed Chambas.
Jonathan Was in Guinea-Bissau for Election Observation
The former president had travelled to Guinea-Bissau to lead the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission during the country’s presidential and legislative elections held last Sunday. Events escalated when the military announced it had seized control of the government.
Earlier, Nigeria’s House of Representatives called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent diplomatic steps to ensure Jonathan’s safety.
Nigeria’s Lawmakers Raise Alarm
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu described the situation as an “important emergency,” while House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere briefed lawmakers on Jonathan’s extensive experience as an international election observer in countries such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana, Liberia, and Pakistan.
Ihonvbere revealed that Jonathan was temporarily stranded when the coup began, stating that the Nigerian government was working tirelessly to secure his safe return.
The House subsequently adopted a resolution urging the Federal Government to activate all diplomatic channels for his immediate evacuation.
Guinea-Bissau Military Declares Full Control
On Wednesday, military officers in Guinea-Bissau declared that they had seized “total control” of the country, arresting incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, suspending the electoral process, and sealing off national borders.
Heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace as soldiers blocked major access routes and imposed a nation-wide curfew. The National Electoral Commission also confirmed an attack by unidentified armed men.
The coup erupted just before the official release of the November 23 presidential election results, with both leading candidates claiming victory.
Opposition Leaders, Top Officials Arrested
Among those arrested were opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira—barred earlier by the Supreme Court—alongside senior military and government officials, including the chief of staff and the minister of the interior.
Nigeria Strongly Condemns the Coup
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the coup as a “serious threat to democracy and regional stability”. In a statement published by www.cjsoftflix.com, the government said:
“This act of military insurrection undermines democratic progress, constitutional order, and stability in Guinea-Bissau and the entire West African sub-region. This is a clear violation of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which rejects any unconstitutional change of government.”
Nigeria urged the immediate restoration of civilian rule, unconditional release of detainees, and respect for democratic institutions.
Jonathan and ECOWAS Leaders React
Goodluck Jonathan, former Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi, and head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission Issifu Kamara issued a joint statement condemning the military takeover.
They described the coup as a deliberate attempt to derail Guinea-Bissau’s democratic process and called for calm among residents, reiterating their commitment to peace and stability.
General Horta N’Tam Appointed Transitional Leader
On Thursday, the coup plotters appointed General Horta N’Tam, the army’s chief of staff, as transitional leader for one year.
During a press conference, N’Tam claimed the takeover was necessary to block operations that “threatened democracy” and insisted that “urgent measures” were required to stabilise the nation.
International Community Reacts with Concern
The United Nations, Portugal, ECOWAS, and the African Union expressed deep concern. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for restraint, while media watchdog Reporters Without Borders criticised the shutdown of media operations, describing it as a “serious violation of the right to information.”
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Democracy in West Africa
Nigeria pledged to work with ECOWAS, the African Union, and international partners to ensure the swift restoration of democratic governance in Guinea-Bissau.
According to Ebienfa:
“Nigeria will take all necessary measures to help restore normalcy and constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau. We remain committed to promoting democracy, peace, and stability across the African continent.”
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