Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has been escorted out of Guinea-Bissau by military personnel as instability deepens following the latest coup attempt in the West African nation.
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It was earlier reported that Jonathan was among several African leaders trapped in Guinea-Bissau after the country’s military announced a takeover. He is one of 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) sent to monitor Sunday’s presidential election.
On Wednesday, military officers in Guinea-Bissau declared “total control” of the coup-prone nation, shutting its borders and suspending the electoral process just three days after general elections.
The takeover followed a tense standoff after incumbent President Umaro Embaló and his main challenger, Fernando Dias, both claimed victory despite the absence of official results from the electoral commission.
Jonathan, who was stranded along with other international observers, is now being escorted out of the country and is expected to return to Nigeria on Thursday.
A senior government source earlier confirmed that the former president is safe. The source added that a multinational task force, including Nigerian personnel, is on ground to ensure the safety of Jonathan and other Nigerian officials.
“Nigeria is taking the necessary steps to ensure their security and facilitate their return,” the source stated.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Government has condemned the coup and called for the immediate restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau.
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