Quick Summary:
Nigeria confirms former President Goodluck Jonathan’s safety following the Guinea-Bissau coup, while ECOWAS and AU condemn the unconstitutional takeover and call for restoration of democracy.

Jonathan Evacuated Safely from Guinea-Bissau

The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is safe and has left Guinea-Bissau following the military coup that toppled the country’s government on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.

The confirmation was made by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during an interview with journalists in Abuja.

“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau. He left with a special flight with members of his delegation, including Mohamed Chambas,” Ebienfa said.

Jonathan had been in Guinea-Bissau as Head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission, monitoring the presidential and legislative elections held last Sunday before the military announced it had seized power.

Regional Leaders Condemn Coup

In a joint statement on Wednesday, Filipe Nyusi, former President of Mozambique and Head of the African Union Election Observation Mission; Issifu Kamara, Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission; and Goodluck Jonathan condemned the coup, describing it as a direct attempt to disrupt Guinea-Bissau’s democratic process.

They appealed for calm among residents and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Guinea-Bissau “during this sensitive period,” emphasizing the importance of preserving peace, stability, and the well-being of the Bissau-Guinean people.

Nigeria Condemns Coup, Calls for Restoration of Democracy

The Federal Government also issued a strong condemnation of the coup, warning that it represents a serious threat to democracy and regional stability.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it learned of the development “with profound dismay and deep concern,” describing the coup as an unconstitutional change of government and a violation of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

Nigeria reiterated its call for the immediate restoration of constitutional order, protection of detained officials, and respect for democratic institutions.

Guinea-Bissau in Turmoil

Guinea-Bissau was thrown into political chaos on Wednesday after military officers declared total control of the country, closed borders, and suspended electoral activities.

Heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace, and soldiers blocked major access routes in the capital.

General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, announced that a command composed of all branches of the armed forces had taken over leadership “until further notice.”

In a phone call with France24, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló confirmed, “I have been deposed.” He was reportedly held inside a building near military headquarters alongside the chief of staff and the minister of the interior.

Both Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias had claimed victory in Sunday’s elections, with provisional results expected before the coup.

The military claimed it uncovered a plot involving national drug lords and the importation of weapons to alter the constitutional order.

Borders Reopened Amid Tension

Later on Thursday, General Lansana Mansali, Inspector General of the Armed Forces, announced that all borders had been reopened.

More than 6,700 security personnel, including members of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Force, had been deployed for the elections amid widespread political tension.

Guinea-Bissau, one of the world’s poorest nations, has experienced four successful coups and several failed attempts since gaining independence.