Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly trapped in Guinea-Bissau following a military takeover announced earlier today.
The Independent Mirror reports that Jonathan — alongside hundreds of foreign election observers — is currently unable to leave the country.
The observers had monitored the presidential and parliamentary elections, with results expected to be officially declared before the coup occurred.
Many foreign observers who rushed to the airport after the announcement of the coup were reportedly stranded, as the military ordered the closure of all land, air, and sea borders, in addition to imposing an overnight curfew.
In a statement broadcast on national television, the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order” announced the immediate suspension of the electoral process “until further notice.”
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló confirmed to France24 that he had been deposed and said he was being held at the general staff headquarters.
The head of the main opposition PAIGC party, Domingos Simoes Pereira, has also been arrested, according to Haque, an international observer.
Haque further stated that the military was attempting to cut off internet access across the country, while confirming the curfew was already in place.
He identified the coup leader, Denis N’Canha, as the head of the presidential guard, noting: “The man supposed to protect the president has placed him under arrest.”
Jonathan, who leads the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) observer mission, had earlier posted on social media upon arriving in Bissau:
“We arrived in Bissau this evening as members of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Mission ahead of Guinea-Bissau’s presidential and parliamentary polls scheduled for November 23, 2025.”
Daily Trust
