Guinea Bissau Coup: Jonathan Stranded as Soldiers Arrest President Embaló

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has been stranded in Guinea Bissau following a sudden military takeover on Wednesday, November 26.

The coup unfolded just as the country prepared to announce the results of its presidential election. Soldiers identifying themselves as the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order” suspended the electoral process indefinitely, imposed a nighttime curfew, and shut all land, air, and sea borders.

Top Government Officials Arrested

President Umaro Sissoco Embaló confirmed in a phone interview with France24 that he had been detained, saying:

“I have been deposed. I am currently at the general staff headquarters.”

Also arrested was Domingos Simoes Pereira, the leader of the main opposition PAIGC party.
An election observer noted that the coup was led by Denis N’Canha, an army officer who was supposed to protect the president.

Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) election observer mission, had shared updates on social media before the coup began.

Upon arrival, he wrote:

“We arrived in Bissau this evening as members of the West African Elders Forum… We wish the people of Guinea Bissau a peaceful, inclusive and transparent election.”

On election day, he reported that the mission visited several polling units to monitor the voting process.

Attempts to reach his spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, were unsuccessful, but his former aide Ima Niboro told Daily Trust that Jonathan had personally confirmed he is safe.