Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is currently stranded in Guinea-Bissau following a military coup that halted the nation’s electoral process and sealed its borders on Tuesday.
Jonathan is among the African Leaders on the joint mission of the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and the West African Elders Forum, deployed to monitor the West African country’s presidential election held over the weekend.
Nigeria’s representatives have called for urgent diplomatic action, urging the Federal Government to intervene and secure his safe release.
Brigadier General Dennis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, announced the takeover during a press briefing in Bissau.
N’Canha stated that a command “composed of all the armed forces” was assuming leadership of the country until further notice.
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He made the declaration seated at a table, surrounded by armed soldiers.
The military suspended the electoral process and shut the country’s borders three days after citizens voted in the legislative and presidential polls.
Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, initially projected as the likely winner of Sunday’s election, was also detained during the takeover.
A senior officer told AFP, under condition of anonymity, that Embaló was held inside a building behind the military headquarters alongside the chief of staff and the interior minister.
Embaló later disclosed that he had been arrested while inside the presidential palace.
Others taken into custody include: The Chief of Staff General Biague Na Ntan , Deputy Chief of Staff General Mamadou Traore and Interior Minister Botche Cande.
The AU, ECOWAS and Nigeria have all condemned the coup, describing the military’s intervention as unacceptable — especially as it occurred while the nation awaited official election results.
Brigadier General N’canha now leads the military command overseeing the country.
Diplomatic efforts are expected to intensify as regional bodies push for the restoration of constitutional order and the release of all detained officials, including former President Jonathan.
