By DAYO ADESULU
Nigeria’s Former President Caught in Political Turmoil Abroad
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has been trapped in Guinea-Bissau following a sudden military takeover that plunged the West African nation into uncertainty on Wednesday. The development has left hundreds of foreign observers, including Jonathan, unable to leave the country after troops seized power and shut down all borders.
Jonathan travelled to Bissau ahead of the country’s general elections, which were conducted earlier this week. However, the official results had not been released before soldiers announced a coup, leaving both citizens and foreign delegates stranded.
Foreign Observers Unable to Exit as Borders Shut
Sources within the international observer mission confirmed that many officials who rushed to the airport immediately after news of the coup broke were turned back. With air, land, and sea borders now closed, evacuation efforts have stalled.
The Jonathan trapped in Guinea-Bissau coup situation has raised concerns in diplomatic circles, especially as communication from within the country remains heavily restricted.
Two Candidates Declare Victory Before Coup
Tension escalated after both leading candidates—incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition challenger Fernando Dias—declared victory in the election. The political standoff deepened suspicion of conflict, setting the stage for the military’s intervention.
Soon after, a group of senior officers appeared on national television, announcing that they had taken “total control of the country.” Identifying themselves as the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order, the soldiers suspended the electoral process “until further notice.”
Curfew Imposed as Military Consolidates Power
To tighten their grip, the coup leaders imposed an overnight curfew, limiting movement across the capital. Checkpoints have since multiplied across key areas, including near the airport and government buildings. Observers reported that streets in Bissau emptied rapidly as uncertainty grew.
Diplomatic missions across West Africa are monitoring the situation, calling for calm and urging respect for electoral processes.
Growing Concerns Over Jonathan’s Safety
Jonathan, who has been active in West Africa as a respected mediator and election observer, remains safe but unable to leave. His presence in the country adds a sensitive diplomatic layer to the Jonathan trapped in Guinea-Bissau coup crisis, especially as Nigeria maintains strong regional security and political interests through ECOWAS.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is yet to release an official statement, but senior diplomatic sources indicate Abuja is in communication with ECOWAS partners to secure the safe evacuation of observers.
A Nation in Limbo as Election Suspended
With the electoral process frozen and both political rivals claiming victory, Guinea-Bissau faces a potential power vacuum. The coup represents yet another setback for a region grappling with recurring military interventions, raising fears of instability spilling across borders.
For now, Jonathan and hundreds of foreign observers remain stranded as the military tightens control and uncertainty clouds the country’s political future.
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