Goodluck Jonathan Trapped In Guinea-Bissau After Coup, Reps Call For Diplomatic Intervention

Goodluck Jonathan Trapped in Guinea-Bissau After Coup, Reps Call for Diplomatic Intervention

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has found himself caught in the middle of a political upheaval in Guinea-Bissau. 

Jonathan, who was in the West African nation as part of a joint mission of the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), was monitoring the country’s presidential elections when the military abruptly seized power.

The coup, led by Brigadier General Denis N’Canha and a command composed of all branches of the armed forces, suspended Guinea-Bissau’s electoral process and closed its borders just days after legislative and presidential elections were conducted.

The announcement was made during a press conference at the General Staff of the Armed Forces, where N’Canha declared that the military would take over leadership of the country until further notice.

Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who had been favored to win the election, was reportedly arrested inside the presidential palace alongside key figures including the chief of staff General Biague Na Ntan, deputy chief of staff General Mamadou Traore, and the interior minister Botche Cande. 

This sudden turn of events has thrown the nation into uncertainty, halting its democratic process and raising alarm across the region.

Jonathan’s presence in Guinea-Bissau as an election observer has now become a matter of concern for Nigeria. The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to deploy all diplomatic channels to secure his safe return, along with other Nigerians trapped in the country.

Lawmakers emphasized the urgency of protecting Jonathan, given his role as a respected statesman and peace envoy in West Africa.

ECOWAS, the AU, and the Nigerian government have all condemned the coup, describing it as unacceptable and calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order.

Election observers expressed deep regret that the coup announcement came just after they had concluded meetings with leading presidential candidates, who had assured them of their willingness to accept the will of the people.

The unfolding crisis in Guinea-Bissau underscores the fragility of democracy in parts of West Africa, where military interventions have disrupted governance in recent years.

For Nigeria, the situation is particularly sensitive, as it involves a former president whose international reputation is tied to peacebuilding and democratic advocacy. The diplomatic efforts now being called for will test Nigeria’s influence in the region and the collective resolve of ECOWAS and the AU to safeguard democratic institutions.