Former President Goodluck Jonathan is among hundreds of foreign observers currently trapped in Guinea-Bissau following a sudden military takeover that unfolded on Wednesday. The tense situation has forced the closure of all borders, leaving many—including the Nigerian statesman—unable to leave the country.
Chaotic Scenes as Coup Halts Electoral Process
According to journalists on ground, confusion erupted shortly after a group of military officers announced that they had taken “total control” of the country. This development came barely 24 hours after the two leading presidential candidates—incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and Fernando Dias—each declared victory in the yet-to-be-announced election results.
The coup plotters, identifying themselves as the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order,” immediately ordered the suspension of the entire electoral process “until further notice.”
Akahi News gathered that the military also imposed an overnight curfew and sealed all land, air, and sea borders, leaving foreign observers stranded at the Bissau airport.
President Embaló Confirms His Removal
The dramatic events escalated when President Embaló, speaking to France24 by phone, confirmed that he had been deposed and was being held at the military general staff headquarters.
A number of key political figures have also been detained. Reports indicate that Domingos Simões Pereira, head of the main opposition PAIGC party, was arrested as the military moved to tighten its grip on power. Observers noted attempts by the army to shut down internet access, further complicating communication and verification efforts.
Coup Leader Identified as Former Presidential Guard Chief
According to details obtained by journalists, the officer spearheading the coup, Denis N’Canha, previously served as head of the presidential guard. Analysts say this underscores the severity of internal divisions within the country’s security architecture.
One commentator emphasised: “The man supposed to protect the president himself has put the president under arrest,” highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Jonathan Trapped But Reportedly Safe
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was in Guinea-Bissau leading the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Observation Mission, is among those caught up in the lockdown. He arrived earlier in the week and had visited polling stations, interacted with stakeholders, and even paid a condolence visit to the family of former First Lady Isolina Da Fonseca Nhamajo.
Efforts by journalists to reach his spokesman, Ikechukwu Eze, were unsuccessful as his phone line remained unreachable. However, Jonathan’s former spokesman, Ima Niboro, told Daily Trust that he had spoken with the ex-President, who confirmed he was safe despite being unable to leave the country.
African Leaders Condemn the Coup
In a joint statement, Jonathan and other African leaders present in Guinea-Bissau condemned the military takeover and expressed deep concern over the disruption of the democratic process.
Akahi News learnt that the group expressed regret that the coup occurred shortly after they had met with the two leading presidential candidates, who had promised to respect the people’s will.
Their statement read in part:
“We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains achieved thus far. We request the African Union and ECOWAS to take necessary steps to restore constitutional order.”
The leaders also raised alarm over the arrest of top electoral officials and called for their immediate release to ensure continuation of the ballot-counting process.
Appeal for Calm Amid Rising Tensions
The statement urged the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate the already volatile situation. It also reaffirmed the commitment of Jonathan and his team to supporting the country’s democratic trajectory, noting the importance of preserving peace and national stability during this sensitive period.
As the world watches closely, Guinea-Bissau’s political future hangs in the balance, with regional bodies expected to intervene in the coming hours.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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