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Jonathan leaves Guinea-Bissau safely after military coup destabilises the country.
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Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry confirms evacuation, says ex-president is “very safe”.
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Coup suspends election process, arrests President Embaló, shuts borders, imposes curfew.
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has safely departed Guinea-Bissau following Wednesday’s military coup that plunged the West African country into political turmoil.
Jonathan, who was in the country as part of a joint election observer mission of the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), was initially trapped after soldiers seized control of key government institutions and suspended the electoral process.
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A spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed Jonathan’s successful evacuation on Thursday, assuring that the former President “is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau.” It was gathered that Jonathan was escorted out of the country by military personnel.
READ ALSO: Jonathan Trapped but Safe as Guinea-Bissau Military Seizes Power
Earlier, the House of Representatives had urged the Federal Government to activate diplomatic channels to secure Jonathan’s release, following reports that he and hundreds of other foreign election observers were stranded after the coup.
The coup unfolded after 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.
A group of senior military officers later announced a takeover, suspended the electoral process, imposed a nationwide curfew, and ordered the closure of all land, air, and sea borders.
Reports from international media indicated that President Embaló and several top security officials were arrested by the coup leaders. Gunfire was also reported around strategic government locations, including the election commission headquarters and the presidential palace.
The Nigerian government is expected to continue diplomatic engagements to ensure the safety of other Nigerians still trapped in Guinea-Bissau.
