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Guinea-Bissau Coup Leaves Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and African Observers Stranded
In the wake of a sudden military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, alongside a delegation of senior African diplomats, remains trapped within the country as all borders have been sealed and elections suspended.
Election Monitoring Mission Disrupted by Military Seizure
Jonathan was leading a 36-member high-level election observation team, a collaborative effort by the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF). Their mandate was to oversee the presidential and legislative elections slated for November 23, 2023.
However, their mission was abruptly interrupted on Wednesday when armed forces took control of the capital, Bissau, plunging the nation into political turmoil. The military coup resulted in the immediate closure of airports and land crossings, effectively isolating the country.
Key Figures Among the Stranded Delegation
Sources close to Jonathan confirmed to The Guardian that the former president and other mission leaders remain in Guinea-Bissau, with plans to manage their situation according to international diplomatic protocols.
Other prominent members caught in the crisis include Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, former President of Mozambique and head of the AU mission, and Issifu Baba Braimah Kamara, leader of the ECOWAS delegation. All were engaged in final discussions with presidential candidates when the military intervened.
Escalation of Political Crisis and Military Takeover
The coup unfolded amid escalating tensions following a disputed election. Early Wednesday, intense gunfire was reported near the presidential palace. Subsequently, General Denis N’Canha, chief of the presidential military office, declared that a unified military command had assumed control “until further notice.”
In the aftermath, the military halted the announcement of election results, detained several senior officials involved in the electoral process, and closed all national borders.
Contested Election Results Spark Instability
The political unrest was fueled by both incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and his main challenger, Fernando Dias, each claiming victory before the official electoral commission could release verified results. This dispute heightened tensions and set the stage for the military’s intervention.
Regional Bodies Condemn Coup and Demand Restoration of Democracy
In a unified statement issued from Bissau, the AU, ECOWAS, and WAEF denounced the coup as a direct assault on Guinea-Bissau’s democratic progress. They highlighted that the military takeover occurred shortly after both leading candidates had assured the observer missions of their commitment to respect the election outcome.
The statement also expressed grave concern over the detention of key electoral officials and urged the military to release all detainees immediately, allowing the electoral process to proceed without obstruction.
“We urge the people of Guinea-Bissau to maintain peace and calm, and we reaffirm our dedication to supporting the country’s democratic journey,” the joint declaration emphasized.
Current Status and Outlook
As of Thursday morning, Goodluck Jonathan and the other election observers remain confined within Guinea-Bissau, awaiting diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis and reopen the country’s borders. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of restoring constitutional order and ensuring a transparent electoral process.
