Former President Jonathan Safely Evacuated From Coup-Hit Guinea-Bissau
The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is safe and has successfully left Guinea-Bissau following Wednesday's military coup that toppled the country's government.
According to Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jonathan departed Guinea-Bissau on a special flight alongside members of his delegation, including Mohamed Chambas. The confirmation came during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
Military Seizes Power, Suspends Electoral Process
The coup unfolded on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, when soldiers identifying themselves as the "High Military Command for the Restoration of Order" announced they had seized control of the government. The military immediately implemented several drastic measures including the suspension of the ongoing electoral process, closure of all land, air, and sea borders, and imposition of an overnight curfew.
Former President Jonathan had been in Guinea-Bissau leading the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission, monitoring last Sunday's presidential and legislative elections when the military takeover occurred. The timing left Jonathan and other high-profile observers from the African Union, ECOWAS, and WAEF temporarily stranded in the country.
Nigeria Condemns Unconstitutional Government Change
The Nigerian government has strongly condemned the military action in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as a violation of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explicitly faulted the coup for leading to what it termed "an unconstitutional change of government" in the West African nation.
The coup plotters arrested President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and suspended the electoral process that had commenced with elections on Sunday. Both ECOWAS and African Union observers have denounced the military takeover and are urging immediate steps to restore democratic order in the country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration has been actively working to ensure Jonathan's safe return to Nigeria, with senior government sources revealing that multiple steps were taken to facilitate the former president's evacuation from the unstable situation.
