Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has been safely escorted out of Guinea-Bissau by soldiers as the country sinks deeper into political chaos.
Jonathan travelled to the nation as part of a joint election observer mission organised by the African Union, ECOWAS, and the West African Elders Forum.
He was moved under guard after heavy tension broke out across the capital.
Military Suspends Electoral Process
The disruption followed a fresh military takeover after both President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias claimed victory in Sunday’s presidential election, despite official results not being released.
Soldiers later announced the suspension of the entire electoral process, the closure of land, air, and sea borders, and a nationwide curfew.
Earlier on Thursday, lawmakers in Nigeria urged the Federal Government to secure Jonathan’s safe return.
The House of Representatives asked authorities to activate diplomatic channels to bring him and other stranded Nigerians home.
Officers Declare “Total Control”
Reports on Wednesday said Guinea-Bissau’s military officers declared “total control” after gunfire erupted near key government buildings, including the election commission’s office and the presidential palace.
Election results were expected on Thursday, but growing unrest halted the announcement.
The BBC also reported that President Embaló was arrested in Bissau by armed men. His detention occurred three days after the vote, which saw the main opposition candidate disqualified.
Embaló later told Jeune Afrique that he was arrested in his office on November 26, stating that the army chief of staff planned what he described as a coup.
Several top officials, including Armed Forces Chief General Biaguê Na Ntan, his deputy General Mamadou Touré, and Interior Minister Botché Candé, were also detained.