Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has been escorted out of Guinea-Bissau by military personnel as instability deepens following the latest coup attempt in the West African nation.
It was earlier reported that Jonathan is among African leaders currently trapped in Guinea-Bissau following a coup d’état in the country.
He is one of the 36 high-profile observers on the joint mission of the African Union, AU; the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, and the West African Elders Forum, WAEF, in Guinea-Bissau to monitor the presidential election held on Sunday.
However, Military officers in Guinea-Bissau declared “total control” of the coup-prone West African country on Wednesday, closing its borders and suspending its electoral process three days after general elections.
The military took over after President Umaro Embaló, who is seeking re-election, and Fernando Dias, his main opponent, declared themselves winners of the presidential election even though the electoral commission had not released official results.
According to DOYA NEWS, the Nigerian leader, who has been stranded alongside others, is being escorted out of the country. He is expected to return to Nigeria later in the day.
Earlier, a senior government source confirmed that former President Jonathan is safe in Guinea-Bissau following the recent military takeover in the country.
The source, speaking on Thursday on condition of anonymity to Vanguard, said arrangements are underway for his return to Nigeria.
According to the source, a multinational task force, which includes Nigerian personnel, is present in Guinea-Bissau to support the safety of Jonathan and other Nigerian officials currently in the country.
“Nigeria is taking the necessary steps to ensure its security and facilitate their return,” the source stated.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government condemned the coup and called for the immediate restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau.
Were you surprised by the military intervention to rescue Jonathan, and what did Guinea-Bissau's coup say about stability in West Africa?