Tension in Bissau as Ex-President Jonathan, Foreign Observers Trapped After Military Seizes Power
Former Nigerian President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, is reportedly trapped in Guinea-Bissau following a sudden military takeover that erupted on Wednesday, throwing the West African nation into uncertainty.
Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) election observation mission, is among hundreds of foreign observers stranded after soldiers announced the suspension of the electoral process. The observers had rushed to the Bissau airport in an attempt to leave the country but were prevented as all land, air and sea borders were ordered shut.
A faction of military officers—identifying themselves as the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order—declared that they had assumed full control of the country. This came barely 24 hours after both President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias separately claimed victory in the just-concluded polls.
The military junta also imposed a nationwide curfew and halted all electoral activities “until further notice.”
Speaking to France24, President Embaló confirmed that he had been removed from office, stating that he was being held at the military general staff headquarters. Reports also indicate that the head of the main opposition PAIGC, Domingos Simões Pereira, has been arrested.
Haque, an international observer, revealed that the coup leader, Denis N’Canha—who previously headed the presidential guard—was behind the move. “The man meant to protect the president has put him under arrest,” he said, adding that the military was attempting to shut down internet access across the country.
Jonathan had arrived earlier in the week as head of the WAEF mission, expressing hope for a peaceful and transparent election. He later shared updates from polling stations and paid a condolence visit to the family of late former President Manuel Sefiro Nhamado.
Attempts to reach Jonathan’s spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, were unsuccessful as his phone remained unreachable. However, Ima Niboro, a former presidential aide, confirmed that Jonathan was still in Guinea-Bissau at the time of the coup and is believed to be safe, though unable to leave.
Jonathan and other African leaders in the country have issued a joint statement condemning the coup, describing it as a “blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process.” They urged the African Union and ECOWAS to intervene and demanded the immediate release of detained electoral officials.
The leaders appealed for calm, stressing the importance of preserving peace and stability during what they described as a fragile and sensitive period for Guinea-Bissau.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
