Jonathan Escorted Out of Guinea-Bissau after Being Stranded over Military Coup

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has been safely escorted out of Guinea-Bissau following a sudden military takeover that plunged the West African nation into political turmoil.

Jonathan was in Guinea-Bissau leading a 36-member international observer mission, including representatives from the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), to monitor the presidential election held on 23 November 2025. The crisis unfolded after both leading presidential candidates claimed victory in the election, despite the electoral commission not declaring official results. In response, soldiers announced they had taken “total control” of the country, citing alleged electoral manipulation. They declared the formation of a “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order” and imposed restrictions on borders, airports, and exits. Gunfire erupted near key government buildings and the presidential palace, leaving international observers, including Jonathan, stranded in hotels for hours as the nation’s transportation routes were closed. According to Nigerian government sources, a coordinated multinational effort, which included Nigerian personnel, facilitated Jonathan’s safe exit. The federal government emphasized that all diplomatic channels were deployed to ensure his security and return home. In response, Nigeria’s House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution urging the government to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of Jonathan and any other stranded Nigerians. Regional and international bodies, including the AU and ECOWAS, condemned the coup as a setback for democracy in Guinea-Bissau and demanded the release of detained electoral officials. The transitional military junta has assumed control, and the outcome of the recent presidential election remains uncertain as the nation grapples with its political future.