FG Confirms Goodluck Jonathan Safe After Guinea-Bissau Military Coup

Former President Evacuated With Delegation Amid Political Crisis

The federal government has confirmed that former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is safe and has departed Guinea-Bissau following a military takeover in the West African country.

In a statement on Thursday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Jonathan left the country on a special flight along with members of his delegation, including African Union official Mohamed Chambas.

“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau,” Ebienfa said. “He left on a special flight with members of his delegation.”

The coup, announced by military officers on Wednesday, suspended Guinea-Bissau’s electoral process and declared that the military would control the country “until further notice.” Jonathan was part of a 36-member joint mission from the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) tasked with monitoring the country’s presidential election.

The Nigerian government said it is working closely with regional partners to ensure the swift restoration of constitutional governance in Guinea-Bissau. “This coup d’état represents a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which explicitly rejects any ascension to power through unconstitutional means,” Ebienfa said in an earlier statement.

The government expressed solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and called for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order. Authorities were also urged to ensure the safety and security of all detained persons and election observers remaining in the country.

Goodluck Jonathan Stranded in Guinea-Bissau After Military Coup

“The Nigerian government wishes to unequivocally call on the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to ensure and guarantee the safety of all election observers still on official assignment,” the statement added. “We warn that the perpetrators of this act will be held accountable for their actions, which threaten to plunge the nation into chaos and reverse the hard-won gains of its democracy.”

Jonathan’s evacuation follows tense hours for the delegation, as borders were closed and airports were shut down in the country. Analysts say the swift departure likely helped prevent any diplomatic or security incidents involving the high-profile observers.

Nigeria’s response underscores its commitment to protecting its nationals abroad and upholding democratic norms in the region. The situation in Guinea-Bissau remains fragile, with regional and international bodies calling for a return to civilian rule and respect for democratic institutions.