Goodluck Jonathan Trapped In Guinea-Bissau Following Military Coup
Former President Goodluck Jonathan is stranded in Guinea-Bissau after a military coup disrupted the country’s elections on Wednesday.
Jonathan, who leads the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) election observer mission, arrived in the country ahead of the November 23, 2025 presidential and parliamentary polls. Hundreds of foreign observers, like him, are now unable to leave as the military takes control.
A group of officers calling themselves the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order” announced they had seized “total control” of the country. They ordered an immediate suspension of the electoral process, closed all land, air, and sea borders, and imposed an overnight curfew.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo confirmed to France24 that he had been deposed and was “currently at the general staff headquarters.” Domingos Simoes Pereira, head of the main opposition PAIGC party, has also been arrested. Reports indicate the military is attempting to cut off internet access in the country.
The coup was led by Denis N’Canha, the former head of the presidential guard, raising concerns over the security breach that led to Embalo’s detention.
Upon arrival in Bissau, Jonathan posted, “We arrived in Bissau this evening as members of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Mission ahead of Guinea Bissau’s presidential and parliamentary polls. We wish the people of Guinea Bissau a peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections.”
During the elections, he shared updates about WAEF’s visits to polling stations and expressed hopes for a smooth voting process. His last post from Guinea-Bissau showed him offering condolences to the family of the late former First Lady, Mrs. Isolina Da Fonseca Nhamajo, along with photos from the visit.
