BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau — Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is among dozens of African leaders and officials stranded in Guinea-Bissau following a military coup that has halted the country’s electoral process, shut its borders, and closed all airports.
Jonathan is part of a 36-member delegation of high-profile observers representing the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF).
The delegation arrived in Guinea-Bissau to monitor the presidential election held on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
Tensions escalated dramatically on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, when military officers seized control of the government, suspending the vote-counting process just as the country awaited final results.
The intervention came after both President Umaro Embaló, who is seeking re-election, and his main challenger, Fernando Dias, declared themselves winners of the election—despite the electoral commission not having released official results.
The military move included a shutdown of all land and air borders, leaving foreign observers unable to depart the country.
It remains unclear whether the delegation is in direct communication with the military leadership or if arrangements are being made to facilitate their exit.
In a statement issued after the coup, the joint observer mission expressed “deep concern” about the military takeover and the sudden suspension of the electoral process.
“It’s regrettable that this announcement came at a time when the missions had just concluded meeting with the two leading presidential candidates, who assured us of their willingness to accept the will of the people,” the statement said.
The observers urged the AU and ECOWAS to take immediate steps to restore constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and demanded the release of all detained officials, including President Embaló, senior members of his administration, and security chiefs.
Jonathan and the rest of the observer delegation are scheduled to depart on Saturday, November 29, 2025, though the closure of airports and borders now raises questions about whether they will be able to leave as planned.
The coup has added to growing instability in West Africa, where several countries—including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—have experienced military takeovers in recent years.
Regional leaders are expected to meet in the coming days to consider a coordinated response.
