Nigeria assures safety of former president Goodluck Jonathan in Guinea-Bissau
Federal government confirms measures for safe return amid coup
The Nigerian Federal Government has taken swift and decisive steps to ensure the safety and secure return of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was in Guinea-Bissau as part of a high-profile international observer mission when a military coup d’état was declared.
Following the unconstitutional takeover by military officers, a senior government source confirmed that the former President is safe and that arrangements for his immediate return to Nigeria are actively underway.
The former Nigerian leader was in the West African nation as one of the 36 high-profile observers on a joint mission led by the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF). The mission was deployed to monitor the country’s presidential election, which was held just days before the military intervention.
Multinational task force ensures security
According to the senior government source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, a multinational task force is currently deployed in Guinea-Bissau. This force, which includes Nigerian personnel, is dedicated to supporting the security of President Jonathan and other Nigerian officials currently present in the country. The source confirmed that Nigeria is undertaking all necessary measures to guarantee their security and “facilitate their return” safely to the country.
The military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, a country known for its history of coups, was declared when military officers announced they had taken “total control” of the country. This action involved closing the borders and suspending the electoral process. The coup occurred just three days after the general elections, following a contentious situation where both the incumbent President Umaro Embaló and his main opponent, Fernando Dias, declared themselves winners before the electoral commission had released official results.
Nigeria and ECOWAS condemn unconstitutional takeover
In response to the sudden military intervention, the Federal Government of Nigeria strongly condemned the coup and issued a firm call for the immediate restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau. This official condemnation aligns with the position of regional bodies like ECOWAS, which routinely denounces any unconstitutional seizure of power among its member states.
The swift response from the Nigerian government emphasizes its commitment to the safety of its citizens abroad, particularly a highly placed national figure like the former President, and underscores its diplomatic commitment to stability in the West African sub-region.
