How Goodluck Jonathan Escaped Being Jailed in Guinea-Bissau

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan narrowly avoided detention in Guinea-Bissau after being escorted out of the country by military personnel amid escalating political instability following a coup attempt.

Jonathan was among 36 high-profile African observers in Guinea-Bissau monitoring the presidential election held on Sunday. The delegation included representatives from the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF).

The situation in the West African nation took a dramatic turn on Wednesday when military officers declared “total control” of the country, closed its borders, and suspended the electoral process just three days after the general elections. The takeover followed conflicting claims of victory by President Umaro Embaló, who is seeking re-election, and his main challenger, Fernando Dias, despite the electoral commission yet to release official results.

Sahara Reporters confirmed that Jonathan, who had been stranded along with other international observers, was being escorted out of Guinea-Bissau and was expected to return to Nigeria later in the day.

A senior Nigerian government source, speaking on Thursday on condition of anonymity, reassured that Jonathan was safe during the military takeover. The source added that a multinational task force, including Nigerian personnel, had been deployed in Guinea-Bissau to secure the safety of Jonathan and other Nigerian officials present.

“Nigeria is taking the necessary steps to ensure their security and facilitate their return,” the source said.

The Federal Government has condemned the coup, calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau. Analysts say the incident underscores the fragility of democratic processes in parts of West Africa and highlights the risks faced by international observers during volatile elections.