Former President Jonathan Speaks Out on Guinea-Bissau Experience Amidst Coup

By Emmanuel Kwada 

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has provided a detailed account of his recent ordeal in Guinea-Bissau, where he was stranded following a military coup that disrupted the country’s electoral process.

In a video statement that has since gone viral on social media, Jonathan expressed gratitude to both Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara for their efforts to ensure his safe return.

Jonathan, who was in Guinea-Bissau as part of an election observation mission, found himself trapped when the military seized power, suspending the electoral process and closing all borders. The sudden coup left hundreds of foreign dignitaries and observers, including Jonathan, unable to leave the country.

In his statement, Jonathan clarified the sequence of events surrounding his evacuation. He revealed that both President Tinubu and President Ouattara had dispatched aircraft to rescue him and his delegation. However, due to Guinea-Bissau’s proximity to Côte d’Ivoire and existing regional ties, the Ivorian aircraft was able to secure landing permissions more swiftly.

“We asked the Nigerian aircraft not to bother because the Ivorian plane had already arrived,” Jonathan explained, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of the two leaders. He was ultimately evacuated by a Guinean government aircraft, which he described as a “special flight.”

Jonathan took the opportunity to thank Nigerians for their widespread concern and support during the crisis. “The whole country was agitated, young and old, irrespective of religious or political divides,” he noted, highlighting the national solidarity that emerged in response to his predicament.

The former president also condemned the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, urging a swift restoration of constitutional order. His safe return to Abuja has been confirmed by the Nigerian government, bringing relief to many who followed the developments closely.

This incident underscores the fragility of political stability in West Africa, a region that has seen a recent wave of coups and military interventions. Jonathan’s experience serves as a reminder of the risks faced by international observers and the importance of regional cooperation in times of crisis.

As Nigeria and other regional powers continue to navigate the complexities of West African politics, Jonathan’s account provides a firsthand perspective on the challenges and the solidarity that can emerge in the face of adversity.