The Federal Government has confirmed that former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is “safe and out of Guinea-Bissau” following the military takeover that plunged the West African nation into political chaos. Jonathan, who was in the country as part of an international election-observation mission, was successfully evacuated alongside members of his delegation after hours of diplomatic maneuvering and heightened regional tension.
In a statement on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that Jonathan had departed Guinea-Bissau aboard a special flight, bringing an end to growing concerns regarding his safety. The coup, which disrupted the country’s election process, triggered nationwide unrest and temporarily trapped international observers, including Jonathan, inside the country.
According to the Ministry, “Former President Goodluck Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau.” Officials added that the evacuation was coordinated through multi-layered diplomatic channels involving Nigeria, ECOWAS, the African Union, and senior regional envoys.
Jonathan travelled to Bissau as part of a high-level election-monitoring delegation under the auspices of ECOWAS, AU, and the West African Elders Forum. His presence, alongside other African statesmen, was intended to bolster transparency during Guinea-Bissau’s elections. But tensions escalated sharply when soldiers stormed key government institutions and halted the release of election results, claiming irregularities.
The sudden military takeover forced the shutdown of borders, trapped foreign observers, and sparked fears of targeted attacks or hostage situations.
Before his extraction, the Nigerian House of Representatives had raised alarm over Jonathan’s safety, urging the Federal Government to take immediate steps to secure his return. Lawmakers described the situation as “a matter of urgent national importance,” insisting that Jonathan, as a former Head of State and global statesman, must not be exposed to danger.
Foreign Affairs officials responded swiftly, opening communication lines with Guinea-Bissau’s transitional military leadership, ECOWAS representatives, and Nigerian diplomatic missions in the region. Coordinated pressure and high-level negotiations ultimately facilitated Jonathan’s safe departure.
The coup in Guinea-Bissau has drawn widespread condemnation from AU, ECOWAS, the European Union, and the United States. Regional leaders say the takeover threatens West Africa’s fragile democratic progress, calling for immediate restoration of constitutional order.
Analysts warn that the crisis could worsen without sustained international engagement. Jonathan’s evacuation, while successful, underscores the volatility of the situation and the risks facing foreign observers in conflict-prone zones.
Sources within the ex-President’s office confirmed that he is expected back in Nigeria immediately after concluding debriefing engagements with regional partners. His team noted that he remains committed to peacebuilding and democratic strengthening efforts across Africa.
Nigerians have also welcomed the news of his safety, with social media filled with relief messages and prayers. Many users praised the diplomatic agencies involved, describing the coordinated evacuation as “swift,” “decisive,” and “commendable.”
The international community is now closely monitoring developments in the country. With borders only partially reopened and the political future uncertain, ECOWAS is expected to convene an emergency session to determine its next steps, including sanctions or peacekeeping deployments.
For now, the safe return of Jonathan marks a significant diplomatic victory for Nigeria amid a tense regional atmosphere.
