Jonathan Evacuated From Guinea-Bissau After Coup – Federal Govt

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has been evacuated from Guinea-Bissau, according to the Federal Government.

The Nigerian leader who led an election observer delegation to the West African nation was trapped there after the military took over the government.

The official election results were about to be declared when the military intervened.

It was gathered that Jonathan and many foreign observers were unable to leave the country, as the military had shut down the airport and land borders.

The House of Representatives had urged the Federal Government to ensure the safe return of the former president.

In a statement on Thursday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Jonathan left the country on a special flight alongside members of his delegation.

“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau. He left on a special flight with members of his delegation, including Mohamed Chambas,” Ebienfa said in a terse message.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, Filipe Nyusi, former president of Mozambique and Head of the African Union Election Observation Mission; Issifu Kamara, Head of the Economic Community of West African States Election Observation Mission; and Jonathan condemned the coup, describing it as a direct attempt to disrupt Guinea-Bissau’s democratic process.

They appealed for calm among residents and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Guinea-Bissau “during this sensitive period,” stressing “the importance of preserving peace, stability, and the well-being of the Bissau-Guinean people.”