Former President Goodluck Jonathan has been confirmed safe in Guinea-Bissau following Wednesday’s military takeover, a senior Nigerian government source disclosed on Thursday.
The assurance comes amid heightened anxiety after soldiers in the coup-prone West African nation seized control, shut the country’s borders and suspended its electoral process, three days after citizens went to the polls.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the senior official said arrangements had already begun to ensure Jonathan’s safe evacuation from Bissau back to Nigeria. According to the source, a multinational task force—comprising Nigerian security personnel and other regional forces—is currently operating in the country to safeguard Nigerian officials and other foreign delegates.
“Nigeria is taking the necessary steps to ensure their security and facilitate their return,” the source said, noting that Jonathan and others are under the protection of the joint security operations.
Jonathan is among 36 high-profile observers deployed by the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) to monitor Sunday’s presidential election. The presence of international observers is part of ongoing regional efforts to support Guinea-Bissau’s fragile democratic processes, following years of political tension and repeated attempts to subvert civilian rule.
The latest crisis erupted after President Umaro Embaló, who is seeking re-election, and his main challenger, Fernando Dias, both declared themselves winners even though the electoral commission had yet to announce official results. The competing claims deepened existing tensions and provided a flashpoint for the military’s intervention.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Condemns Guinea-Bissau Coup, Demands Immediate Restoration of Democracy
On Wednesday, military officers announced they had assumed “total control” of the country, citing threats to the constitutional order. Heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace earlier in the day, with armed soldiers barricading key access routes in the capital.
Earlier, the Federal Government of Nigeria condemned the coup, calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order and urging all parties to respect the democratic process. Abuja also demanded assurances for the safety of international observers, including Jonathan, who remained in Guinea-Bissau as the situation unfolded.
As diplomatic efforts intensify and regional bodies continue to engage with the military command in Bissau, Nigeria says it remains committed to working with its partners to ensure the safe return of all its citizens and the swift restoration of democracy in Guinea-Bissau.