Former President Goodluck Jonathan is currently stuck in Guinea-Bissau after a military takeover upended the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections.
Jonathan, heading the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) election observer mission, arrived in the country ahead of the November 23, 2025 polls. Hundreds of foreign observers, like him, are now unable to leave as the military asserts control.
The officers, identifying themselves as the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order,” announced they had taken “total control” of the nation. They suspended the electoral process, closed all land, air, and sea borders, and imposed an overnight curfew.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo confirmed in a phone call with France24 that he had been deposed and was “currently at the general staff headquarters.” Domingos Simoes Pereira, leader of the main opposition PAIGC party, was also reportedly arrested. Authorities are attempting to restrict internet access across the country.
The coup was led by Denis N’Canha, former head of the presidential guard, highlighting the breach of security that allowed Embalo’s detention.
Upon arrival in Bissau, Jonathan posted, “We arrived in Bissau this evening as members of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Mission ahead of Guinea Bissau’s presidential and parliamentary polls. We wish the people of Guinea Bissau a peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections.”
During the elections, he shared updates on WAEF’s visits to polling stations and expressed hopes for a smooth voting process. His most recent post from Guinea-Bissau showed him visiting the family of the late former First Lady, Mrs. Isolina Da Fonseca Nhamajo, sharing condolences and photos from the visit.
