Former President Goodluck Jonathan has safely departed Guinea-Bissau after the military toppled the government and dissolved the ongoing electoral process in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed his evacuation on a special flight alongside members of his delegation, assuring that he was never in danger.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Jonathan and other officials, including Ibm Chambas, left the country shortly after the coup intensified and the situation became uncertain.
Jonathan, who was in Guinea-Bissau as the head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission, had been monitoring the presidential and legislative elections held last Sunday before soldiers took control of state institutions.
By Wednesday afternoon, the military had assumed full authority, suspended the electoral process, shut the nation’s borders, and placed President Umaro Embalo in custody despite his favourable chances in the polls.
General Denis N’Canha announced that a joint command of all security forces had taken over leadership pending further notice, marking another major setback for democratic governance in the region.
The situation escalated on Thursday when the coup leaders named General Horta N’Tam, the army chief of staff, as the country’s interim leader for a one-year transition period.
Nigeria, alongside other regional bodies, has condemned the development and is calling for the restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau.
