“Africa’s Elder at Risk: Military Coup Holds Jonathan and Democracy Hostage in Guinea-Bissau”
By Paul Ebi
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, currently leading the West Africa Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Observer Mission, is reportedly trapped in Guinea-Bissau following a sudden military coup that has thrown the country into political turmoil.
Sources from the observer mission confirmed that all borders have been shut, grounding movements in and out of the country. Despite the tense environment, Jonathan and the WAEF delegation remain safe, with no harm reported.
Nigerian Public Demands Swift Action
News of Jonathan’s predicament has sparked widespread concern across Nigeria. Civic groups and public commentators are calling on the Federal Government to act decisively, emphasizing Nigeria’s role as a regional power in West Africa.
Proposed measures circulating online include:
Immediate evacuation of Jonathan and the WAEF team, potentially through coordinated Nigerian Air Force operations.
Diplomatic deployments aimed at restoring constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau, without direct military intervention.
Observers stress that military disruption of democratic processes threatens both sovereignty and regional stability, warning that Nigeria “cannot ignore” such developments.
Democracy Must Prevail
Public reactions reinforce that legal processes—not armed intervention—should resolve election disputes. One commentator stated:
> “Democracy is law and order. If you are not satisfied with the result, the court is there. No one should take the law into their own hands.”
Social Media Buzzes with Reactions
Online, Nigerians have expressed a mix of outrage, humour, and disbelief:
“At least let them bring back our Goodluck. They can take Tulumbu in exchange—we don’t mind.”
“If Baba Jona escapes this one, he won’t supervise any African election again. Africa is not ready for democracy.”
“I laugh in Guinea-Bissau language… When there’s fire in Nigeria without solution, they want to restore peace elsewhere.”
Despite the humour, concern for Jonathan’s safety dominates public sentiment.
> “Whatever happens, let them bring back our Goodluck. He will return safely by God’s grace,” wrote one observer.
AU, ECOWAS, and WAEF Condemn the Coup
In a joint statement issued on 26 November 2025, the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM), and WAEF condemned the coup as a “blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process.”
The statement highlighted that Guinea-Bissau’s elections on 23 November 2025 concluded peacefully, with citizens and polling staff ensuring a credible process. Yet, shortly after both leading presidential candidates pledged to respect the vote, the military announced it had seized power.
The observers called for the immediate release of detained officials, the restoration of constitutional order, and calm among citizens during the crisis.
Signatories of the statement included:
H.E. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, Head of AUEOM and former President of Mozambique
H.E. Issifu Baba Braímah Kamara, Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission
H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, Head of WAEF and former President of Nigeria
The missions reaffirmed their commitment to Guinea-Bissau’s democratic journey, stressing that the will of the people must not be subverted.
As the situation unfolds, the international community, particularly ECOWAS and the African Union, is expected to closely monitor developments and push for a peaceful resolution.
