The Federal Government has confirmed that former President Goodluck Jonathan is safe and has left Guinea-Bissau after the military took over the government on Wednesday.
Elections were held in Guinea-Bissau on November 23, but soldiers later announced they had taken control, removed the president, and stopped the election process.
Nigeria, the African Union (AU), and ECOWAS all condemned the military takeover. Jonathan was in Guinea-Bissau as part of the ECOWAS election monitoring team, so many people were worried about his safety.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Jonathan had already left the country and was safe.
Ebienfa explained that Nigeria strongly condemns the coup because it threatens democracy and stability in Guinea-Bissau and the entire West African region. He said the coup violates ECOWAS rules that reject gaining power by force.
Nigeria called for the immediate return to democratic rule, protection of detained officials, and respect for the election process. The government also urged all parties to remain calm, resolve issues peacefully, and allow the election results to be released.
Nigeria also reassured the people of Guinea-Bissau that it stands with them and will work with ECOWAS and the AU to restore peace and constitutional order.
Meanwhile, the AU and ECOWAS election missions expressed deep concern about the coup. In a joint statement signed by former Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi, Goodluck Jonathan, and Issifu Kamara, they praised the peaceful voting process but condemned the military intervention.
They said the coup happened just after they met with the two main presidential candidates, who had promised to accept the election results. They also demanded the release of detained election officials so that the process can continue.
The missions urged the people of Guinea-Bissau to stay calm and assured them of continued support for democracy and stability in the country.
