COUP ERUPTION IN GUINEA BISSAU: FORMER PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN STRANDED AS MILITARY SEIZES POWER, SHUTS BORDERS AND HALTS ELECTION PROCESS

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has been caught in the middle of escalating political turmoil in Guinea Bissau after the country’s military announced a sudden takeover earlier today.

Jonathan, who travelled to Bissau as the head of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) observer mission, is among hundreds of foreign observers currently unable to leave the crisis-stricken nation. They were preparing to depart the country following the announcement of a coup but found themselves stranded as soldiers shut all land, air, and sea borders while imposing a nationwide curfew.

Before the dramatic power grab, observers raced to the airport hoping to exit the country, but military officers claiming “total control” ordered a complete halt to all movements. The coup was declared just as the country awaited official results from tightly contested presidential polls, with both leading contenders — incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and opposition candidate Fernando Dias, having already declared victory.

Identifying themselves as the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order, the officers announced the immediate suspension of the electoral process “until further notice,” alongside a sweeping lockdown of the nation’s borders.

President Embalo later confirmed in a phone conversation with an international broadcaster that he had been removed from office and was being held at the military’s general staff headquarters. This was followed by reports that Domingos Simoes Pereira, leader of the main opposition PAIGC party, had also been arrested as the military moved to consolidate control. Sources within the country indicated attempts by the coup leaders to cut off internet connectivity while enforcing a strict curfew.

The leader of the coup, Denis N’Canha, is reported to be a senior military officer who previously served as head of the presidential guard, raising questions about internal fractures within the country’s security establishment. Observers noted that the officer entrusted with protecting the president has now taken part in placing him under arrest.

Before the chaos began, Jonathan had actively engaged in monitoring the electoral process. He arrived in Bissau early in the week and shared updates on his observer activities, including visits to polling stations and interactions with political actors. He also paid a condolence visit to the family of former President Manuel Sefiro Nhamado.

Efforts by journalists to obtain official confirmation of Jonathan’s safety proved difficult as his spokesman’s line remained unreachable.

However, former presidential spokesman Ima Niboro confirmed that Jonathan was still in Guinea Bissau during the coup and personally assured him that he remained safe.

In a joint statement, Jonathan and other African leaders present in the country condemned the military takeover and expressed concern over the abrupt disruption of the democratic process. They warned that the coup undermined the progress made so far in stabilizing the political environment.

They further urged the African Union and ECOWAS to take urgent steps to restore constitutional order and appealed to the armed forces to release detained officials, especially those involved in the electoral process, to allow the country to complete its democratic transition.

The leaders also called on citizens of Guinea Bissau to remain calm, emphasizing the need to protect peace, stability, and the welfare of the populace during this sensitive and uncertain period.