Former President Goodluck Jonathan is currently stranded in Guinea-Bissau following the country’s sudden coup d’état.
Jonathan is among 36 high-profile observers on a joint mission of the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the West African Elders Forum (WAEF). They were in the country to monitor Sunday’s presidential election.
As of Wednesday night, the African leaders were reported safe in their hotel rooms. However, flights in and out of Guinea-Bissau had been suspended, leaving many observers—who were scheduled to depart either last night or today (Thursday)—stranded. With no functioning government authority, there was no one to discuss exit plans with.
The mission, which had just rounded off meetings with the two leading presidential candidates, called on the AU and ECOWAS to urgently restore constitutional order and demanded the immediate release of detained officials.
In a joint statement, Jonathan and other African leaders strongly condemned the military takeover.
“We express deep concern with the announcement of a coup d’etat by the armed forces, while the nation was waiting for the announcement of the results. 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.”
In a joint statement, Jonathan and other African leaders strongly condemned the military takeover.
“We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains that have been achieved thus far. We request the African Union and the ECOWAS to take the necessary steps to restore constitutional order.”
“We express concern of the arrests of top officials including those that are in charge of the electoral process. In this regard, we urge the armed forces to immediately release the detained officials to allow the country’s electoral process to proceed to its conclusion.”
We call on the people of Guinea Bissau to remain calm, and we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Country on its democratic path, and in this respect, we underscore the importance of preserving peace, stability, and the well-being of the Bissau-Guinean people during this sensitive period.”
On Wednesday, military officers seized power and suspended the electoral process.
The takeover came after both President Umaro Embaló, who is seeking re-election, and his main opponent, Fernando Dias, prematurely declared victory despite the electoral commission not having released any official results.
Following the coup, the military shut the borders and closed the airports.
In another statement, the joint mission again expressed “deep concern” over the military intervention, noting: “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.”
Do you think the stranded observers would be allowed to leave the country as scheduled, and what do you think the coup means for democracy in West Africa? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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