FORMER PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN SAFE AND HAS SAFELY DEPARTED GUINEA-BISSAU FOLLOWING MILITARY TAKEOVER

 The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform the public that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is safe and has successfully left Guinea-Bissau after a brief period of being stranded due to the military coup announced on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.

Dr. Jonathan, who recently celebrated his 68th birthday, was in Bissau as Head of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Observation Mission, part of a joint high-level delegation with the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The 36-member mission was deployed to monitor the peaceful conduct of Guinea-Bissau’s presidential and parliamentary elections held on November 23, 2025.

The military intervention occurred shortly after the observer missions concluded consultations with the two leading presidential candidates—incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition leader Fernando Dias—who had both pledged to respect the electoral outcome. Heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace, leading to the arrest of President Embaló, the suspension of the electoral process, the imposition of a nationwide curfew, and the closure of all land, air, and sea borders.

Led by Brigadier General Denis N’Canha, former head of the presidential guard, the coup leaders declared the formation of a “High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order.” This abrupt action trapped Dr. Jonathan, former Mozambican President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi (Head of AU Mission), Issifu Baba Braimah Kamara (Head of ECOWAS Mission), and hundreds of international observers in the country, with many rushing to the airport only to find flights grounded.

In a joint statement issued on November 26, 2025, the heads of the observer missions expressed deep concern over the development:

“We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains achieved thus far. It is regrettable that this announcement came at a time when the missions had just concluded meetings with the two leading presidential candidates, who assured us of their willingness to accept the will of the people. We call on the armed forces to immediately release all detainees, including senior officials overseeing the electoral process, and allow the results to be announced without further interference.”

The statement further urged the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm and reaffirmed the missions’ commitment to supporting democratic stability in the country.

Following intensive diplomatic engagements by the Nigerian government, in coordination with ECOWAS, the AU, and a multinational task force present in Guinea-Bissau (including Nigerian personnel), arrangements were swiftly made for the safe evacuation of Dr. Jonathan and other mission members. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed: “Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau.”

The Federal Government of Nigeria strongly condemns the military takeover, which threatens regional peace and democratic progress in West Africa. Nigeria calls for the immediate restoration of constitutional order, the release of all detained officials, and respect for the sovereign will of the Bissau-Guinean people as expressed in the November 23 elections.

The House of Representatives had earlier urged the government to prioritize Dr. Jonathan’s safe return, a call that was promptly addressed through robust diplomatic channels.

The Ministry assures all Nigerians that the government remains vigilant in protecting its citizens and dignitaries abroad during crises. Further updates will be provided as necessary.