Jonathan Stuck In Guinea-Bissau After Sudden Military Takeover

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has been trapped in Guinea-Bissau after soldiers overthrew the government on Wednesday.

He had arrived in the country as part of an international observer mission for the elections, but the coup halted all movement and left him and many others unable to leave.

The situation unfolded after the presidential vote, where both incumbent Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias claimed victory before results were officially announced. The dispute fueled tension across the capital and created fear among residents and visitors.

The crisis deepened when a group of senior military officers announced that they had taken control of the country. They described themselves as the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order and declared that the electoral process would no longer continue until further notice. Their takeover threw the country into uncertainty and left foreign observers stranded.

Security forces quickly sealed the borders. All flights, sea routes, and land crossings were shut, trapping hundreds of international visitors, including Jonathan’s delegation. Many people rushed to the airport hoping to escape, only to discover that no departures were allowed.

An overnight curfew has been imposed, leaving streets empty and movement heavily restricted. Residents have remained indoors as soldiers patrol major roads and government buildings. The shutdown has disrupted daily life and stalled business activity across the small West African nation.

Foreign missions and regional bodies are monitoring the situation as they wait for clearer updates on the political transition and the safety of those stuck in the country.