Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly trapped in Guinea-Bissau after the military announced a takeover of the West African nation, suspending the electoral process and sealing borders.
Military Seizes Control Amid Election Turmoil
On Wednesday, armed officers appeared on state television declaring that they had assumed “total control” of the country. They formed a new body — the High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order — suspended the vote-counting process, shut air, sea and land borders, and imposed a curfew.
Gunfire was reported earlier near the presidential palace and electoral commission headquarters, intensifying fears and panic across the capital, Bissau.
Observers Stranded as Flights, Borders Grounded
Jonathan, along with other foreign observers from regional and continental bodies — including the African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and West African Elders Forum (WAEF) — were in Guinea-Bissau to monitor the presidential election held Sunday.
With all airports closed and borders sealed, many foreign dignitaries and observers are now unable to leave the country. Observers are calling for urgent diplomatic intervention to ensure their safe evacuation.
Coup Draws International Condemnation; Observers Demand Return to Constitutional Order
The coup has drawn condemnation from regional bodies and observer missions, which described the takeover as “a blatant attempt to derail democracy.” Calls are mounting for the restoration of democratic institutions and safe exit corridors for citizens and international stakeholders stranded in the country.
Status of Jonathan & Observers Remains Unclear — Calls for Safe Evacuation
As of now, there is no official confirmation on Jonathan’s exact whereabouts beyond being reportedly under “house confinement” in Bissau.
The situation remains fluid, with many observers and foreign nationals awaiting further developments and assurances from both coup leaders and neighbouring countries.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
