Bissau, Guinea-Bissau – 26 November 2025

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is stranded in Guinea-Bissau following a military coup that has halted the presidential election and closed borders. As head of an African Union observation mission, Jonathan confirmed he is safe but unable to leave.

The coup occurred on Wednesday when Brigadier General Denis N’Canha announced the military’s takeover, suspending elections, imposing a curfew, and detaining President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and other officials. It followed disputed polls on 23 November, with both Embaló and challenger Fernando Dias de Costa claiming victory.

Jonathan condemned the action in a joint statement, urging ECOWAS and the African Union to restore order. His spokesman, Ima Niboro, noted efforts to evacuate observers amid ongoing instability.

Guinea-Bissau’s history of coups raises fears of further violence in the economically challenged nation.