Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has safely arrived in Abuja after being evacuated from Guinea-Bissau, where a sudden military takeover on Wednesday plunged the country into political turmoil.
Officials confirmed that Jonathan, who had travelled to Guinea-Bissau as part of a joint election observer mission representing the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), was placed under military protection as tensions escalated. He departed the country on Thursday and landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja shortly afterward.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told journalists in Abuja that Jonathan was “very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau,” confirming his return.
Jonathan’s evacuation followed reports that he had been under military guard while arrangements were being made for his departure. Security personnel later escorted him out of the country as fears of widespread instability grew.
The crisis in Guinea-Bissau intensified when both incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias declared themselves winners of Sunday’s presidential election, despite the absence of official results. Shortly after, soldiers announced the suspension of the electoral process, closure of all borders, and enforcement of a nationwide curfew. Gunfire was reported near key government buildings, including the election commission headquarters and the presidential palace.
On Wednesday, the situation worsened when Embaló was reportedly arrested by armed men in the capital, Bissau. He later confirmed to Jeune Afrique that he had been detained at the presidential palace, describing the incident as a “coup d’état” allegedly led by the army’s chief of staff. Several senior officials, including the Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Biaguê Na Ntan, Deputy Chief of Staff General Mamadou Touré, and Interior Minister Botché Candé, were also taken into custody.
Before Jonathan’s evacuation was confirmed, Nigeria’s House of Representatives had urged the Federal Government to secure his safe return, calling for diplomatic intervention amid growing concern for Nigerians still trapped in Guinea-Bissau. Lawmakers stressed the need for immediate action to protect the former president and other citizens in the country.
The unfolding situation has drawn widespread condemnation from regional and international bodies, who have demanded the swift restoration of democratic order in Guinea-Bissau.
