Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has safely returned to Abuja after being evacuated from Guinea-Bissau following a military coup in the West African country.
He arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, ending a tense ordeal in Guinea-Bissau.
Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission, had been monitoring Guinea-Bissau’s presidential and legislative elections when the military struck and seized power.
In a joint statement, Jonathan, former Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, and ECOWAS observer Chief Issifu Kamara condemned the coup, describing it as “a deliberate attempt to derail Guinea-Bissau’s democratic process”.
The Nigerian Government also denounced the coup, warning that it poses a serious threat to democracy and regional stability.
“The military action violated the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance,” said Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Jonathan’s evacuation was facilitated by Nigerian diplomatic efforts, with regional partners providing military protection and assistance.
“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau,” Ebienfa confirmed.
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