Former President Goodluck Jonathan has left Guinea-Bissau following Wednesday’s military coup that removed the government.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told journalists in Abuja on Thursday that Jonathan departed the country on a special flight with members of his delegation, including former UN envoy Mohamed Chambas.
He said, “Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau. He left with a special flight with members of his delegation, including Mohamed Chambas.”
Mr Jonathan led the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission and had been in the country monitoring last Sunday’s presidential and legislative elections before the military announced that it had taken power.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, Filipe Nyusi, former President of Mozambique and Head of the African Union Election Observation Mission; Issifu Kamara, Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission and Jonathan condemned the coup.
They said the takeover was a direct attempt to derail the country’s electoral process and undermine the will of the people.
The observers urged residents to remain calm and said they would continue to support the country “during this sensitive period,” stressing the need to protect peace, stability and the well-being of the Bissau-Guinean people.
The Federal Government also condemned the coup.
In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it learned of the development “with profound dismay and deep concern,” adding that the action had led to “an unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.”
It said the takeover violated the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
Guinea-Bissau was thrown into turmoil on Wednesday after military officers announced that they had taken control of the country, shut its borders and suspended electoral activities.
Gunfire was heard near the presidential palace, and soldiers blocked major routes.
General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, said a command “composed of all branches of the armed forces was taking over the leadership of the country until further notice.”
Earlier on Wednesday, the military announced it had taken control of the government, a day before the planned release of results from the presidential election.
Jonathan and Nyusi were among the dignitaries stranded in the country after the abrupt seizure of power.
Many election observers scheduled to leave on Wednesday or Thursday were also unable to depart after flights were cancelled.
The officers said they seized power ahead of the announcement of results from the presidential poll.
