Jonathan Back Home After Guinea-Bissau Military Takeover

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday evening returned to Nigeria following his evacuation from Guinea-Bissau after soldiers announced a takeover of government in the West African nation.

Jonathan, who arrived via the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, was seen in a short video disembarking from a Guinea-Bissau government aircraft as officials and supporters received him.

The former President had travelled to the country as leader of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Observation Mission for last Sunday’s presidential and legislative polls. However, his delegation was still carrying out its assignment when the military abruptly seized power, suspended the electoral process and declared themselves in control “until further notice.”

Amid concerns over his safety and reports that he was stranded, the House of Representatives on Thursday urged the Federal Government to deploy diplomatic channels to facilitate his return. Hours later, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Jonathan and his team had been safely evacuated.

“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau,” the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said in a statement. “He left on a special flight with members of his delegation, including Mohamed Chambas.”

The Federal Government also assured that it is working with regional and international partners to restore constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and ensure a swift return to normalcy.

Jonathan’s safe return comes as tensions continue to heighten in the Portuguese-speaking nation after Wednesday’s military takeover.