Nigeria has strongly condemned the military coup in Guinea-Bissau, describing the abrupt takeover as a dangerous assault on democracy and a destabilising event for the West African region.
The statement comes after the Federal Government confirmed the safe evacuation of former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who had been in the country as leader of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission.
Coup Disrupts National Elections
The military seized power shortly after Guinea-Bissau completed its presidential and legislative elections on Sunday. Soldiers dissolved state institutions, suspended the electoral process, and declared a total takeover of the government.
The sudden action left former President Jonathan and several dignitaries stranded, as the coup makers immediately shut the country’s borders and halted flights in and out of the capital.
Jonathan Safely Evacuated
Widespread concern escalated in Nigeria when news spread of the coup, prompting the House of Representatives to demand urgent diplomatic measures to secure Jonathan’s release and safe return.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that Jonathan had been evacuated, stating: “Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau. He left with a special flight with members of his delegation, including Mohamed Chambas.”
Video footage later showed the former President arriving at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where he was received by officials upon landing.
Nigeria Calls for Restoration of Democratic Governance
Nigeria reiterated that the coup violates the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which prohibits unconstitutional changes of government within the region.
The Federal Government called for the immediate return to constitutional rule, demanding the:
• Restoration of democratic governance without conditions.
• Protection and release of all officials detained by the military.
• Full respect for democratic institutions and the electoral process.
Nigeria joins ECOWAS, the African Union (AU), and other international partners in condemning the coup and urging those responsible to face consequences for undermining democratic stability.
Jonathan and other observers had earlier issued a statement describing the military intervention as a direct attempt to derail Guinea-Bissau’s democratic progress and erode the credibility of its electoral process.
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