Former President Goodluck Jonathan has safely departed Guinea-Bissau following a military coup. The Nigerian leader left the West African nation aboard a special flight.
His spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the development in a statement released Thursday. Moreover, the confirmation came after hours of uncertainty surrounding his safety.
Jonathan was trapped in the country after soldiers announced a military takeover. Meanwhile, the coup occurred as presidential election results were awaited.
The military action plunged Guinea-Bissau into fresh political turmoil on Wednesday. Subsequently, all borders were closed and flights grounded across the nation.
Goodluck Jonathan departs with Ibn Chambas
According to Ebienfa, the former president left with members of his delegation. Furthermore, senior diplomat Ibn Chambas was among those who departed safely.
“Former President Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau,” he stated. Additionally, he confirmed they left via a specially arranged flight.
The delegation had been in Guinea-Bissau on a regional election observation mission. Therefore, their safety became a matter of urgent national concern.
Jonathan had been leading the West African Elders Forum observer team. Consequently, he was monitoring the presidential and parliamentary elections held on Sunday.
The political situation deteriorated rapidly when military officers seized control on Wednesday. Meanwhile, heavy gunfire echoed across Bissau as soldiers moved into position.
The self-styled “High Military Command for Restoration of Order” took total control. Indeed, they suspended the electoral process and imposed strict security measures.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo was detained at the military headquarters around 1 pm. Similarly, the armed forces’ chief of staff and other officials were arrested.
Both Embalo and opposition candidate Fernando Dias had claimed victory earlier. However, the national electoral commission had not yet released official results.
Nigerian House of Reps demands Jonathan’s safe return
The House of Representatives called on the Federal Government to act swiftly. Thus, lawmakers urged that diplomatic channels be activated for Jonathan’s safe evacuation.
Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, raised the matter during Thursday’s plenary. Moreover, he emphasized Jonathan’s safety as a matter of national importance.
“Currently, he is in Guinea-Bissau due to the coup,” Ihonvbere explained. Nevertheless, he stressed the House was not debating the coup itself.
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda backed the call for immediate government intervention. Furthermore, he noted Jonathan’s democratic credentials and global engagement record.
The Nigerian government confirmed Jonathan’s departure later on Thursday afternoon. Therefore, fears about his safety were finally put to rest.
Goodluck Jonathan had been part of a joint AU, ECOWAS, and WAEF mission. Additionally, he served as head of the West African Elders Forum delegation.
The 36-member observer team was scheduled to leave on November 29. However, the coup forced an earlier evacuation for trapped dignitaries.
A multinational task force, including Nigerian personnel, was deployed to Guinea-Bissau. Consequently, security arrangements were made for all Nigerian officials present.
International community condemns military takeover
In a joint statement, Goodluck Jonathan and other African leaders condemned the coup. Indeed, they described it as a direct attempt to disrupt democracy.
The observer mission urged the African Union and ECOWAS to intervene immediately. Moreover, they called for the release of detained electoral officials.
Nigeria strongly condemned the military action threatening regional stability and democracy. Therefore, the government demanded the swift restoration of constitutional rule.
The coup plotters suspended the electoral process after Sunday’s contested election. Meanwhile, they announced General Horta N’Tam as interim leader.
Hundreds of foreign observers were stranded at the airport when borders closed. Similarly, diplomats and international missions were trapped in the capital.
Jonathan’s media posts showed him monitoring voting and meeting election stakeholders. However, his last social media update came on Tuesday evening.
He had paid a condolence visit to the late former President Manuel Sefiro Nhamado’s family. Thus, his humanitarian engagement continued despite rising tensions.
The coup announcement came just before official results were to be released. Indeed, the timing heightened suspicions about the military’s true intentions.
