A senior government official has confirmed that former President Goodluck Jonathan is currently safe in Guinea Bissau amid recent political turmoil following a military takeover.
In a statement made on Thursday, a source, who chose to remain anonymous, indicated that arrangements are being made for Jonathan’s safe return to Nigeria. The government has deployed a multinational task force, including Nigerian personnel, to ensure the safety of Jonathan and other Nigerian officials in Guinea Bissau.
“Nigeria is taking the necessary steps to ensure their security and facilitate their return,” the source stated.
The Federal Government has strongly condemned the coup and is calling for the restoration of constitutional order in Guinea Bissau. Jonathan was in the country as part of a delegation from the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Elders Forum, observing the presidential elections that took place on Sunday.
The political situation escalated when military officers declared they had taken “total control” of Guinea Bissau, closing borders and suspending the electoral process just three days after the elections. This takeover occurred after President Umaro Embaló and his main competitor, Fernando Dias, declared themselves winners despite the electoral commission not yet releasing official results.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with various diplomatic efforts underway to secure the safe return of Jonathan and other officials trapped in the country.
