Coup in Guinea-Bissau Leaves Jonathan, Others Trapped

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has been stranded in Guinea-Bissau after the country’s military suddenly stopped the election process and took control of government. The incident happened on Wednesday, a day before official results from the tense presidential election were expected.

Jonathan had travelled to the country as part of an international team observing the vote, which monitors had earlier assessed as peaceful. Trouble began when soldiers, identifying themselves as the “High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order,” announced that all election results were suspended and ordered the closure of borders and airports. Gunshots were also heard around key government buildings in Bissau hours before the announcement.

The situation sparked concern in Nigeria, where lawmakers on Thursday called on the Federal Government to act quickly to ensure Jonathan’s safety and secure the evacuation of other Nigerians in the country. The government has condemned the coup and says diplomatic efforts are underway to bring Jonathan home.

ECOWAS and the African Union have also rejected the military action, warning that it threatens Guinea-Bissau’s fragile democracy and raises fresh concerns about instability in West Africa.