Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, currently in Guinea‑Bissau on an election‑observer mission, has been placed under military protection as he prepares to leave the West African nation, following a sudden military takeover triggered by post‑election tensions.
Jonathan — part of a 36‑member delegation from the African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and West African Elders Forum (WAEF) tasked with observing the November 23 presidential polls — found himself stranded after military officers announced they had seized power, suspended the electoral process, closed borders, and imposed a nationwide curfew.
A senior government source said Abuja is working to secure Jonathan’s return home, noting that a multinational task force including Nigerian personnel has already been deployed in Bissau to safeguard him and other stranded Nigerians. The source added that diplomatic efforts are underway, and that Nigeria is leveraging all channels to ensure their safe exit.
In response to the crisis, the Nigerian House of Representatives formally urged the Federal Government to expedite all diplomatic and evacuation efforts for Jonathan and fellow Nigerians caught in the turmoil.
As fears mount over escalating instability in Guinea‑Bissau, observers say Jonathan’s predicament underscores the growing unpredictability of electoral politics in parts of West Africa — and the danger faced by foreign observers in volatile post‑election environments. Dalena Reporters will continue to track developments and report on the progress of evacuation and reactions from the regional bloc.