Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has been escorted out of Guinea-Bissau by military personnel as instability deepens following the latest coup attempt in the West African nation.
It was earlier reported that Jonathan was among several African leaders stranded in Guinea-Bissau after a coup d’état. He is one of the 36 high-profile observers on a joint mission of the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) sent to monitor Sunday’s presidential election.
On Wednesday, military officers in Guinea-Bissau announced that they had taken “total control” of the country, closing borders and suspending the electoral process three days after the general elections. The intervention followed both President Umaro Embaló, who is seeking re-election, and his main opponent, Fernando Dias, declaring themselves winners despite the electoral commission not having released official results.
Acccording to reports, Jonathan and other observers have begun leaving the country under military escort. He is expected to return to Nigeria later today.
Earlier, a senior government source confirmed to Newsmen that Jonathan was safe despite the military takeover. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said arrangements are being made to facilitate his return.
A multinational task force, including Nigerian personnel, is currently in Guinea-Bissau to ensure the safety of Jonathan and other Nigerian officials. “Nigeria is taking the necessary steps to ensure his security and facilitate their return,” the source said.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has condemned the coup and called for the immediate restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau.
