(DDM) – Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has safely returned to Abuja after being urgently evacuated from Guinea-Bissau following a sudden military coup that plunged the West African nation into chaos and uncertainty.
The evacuation, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered, occurred while Jonathan was in the country as part of an international election observation mission under the auspices of the West African Elders Forum, a group that routinely oversees electoral processes across the region to prevent instability.
Reports indicate that the coup erupted unexpectedly, forcing diplomats, observers, and foreign dignitaries to initiate emergency exit plans as gunfire and military movement intensified within the capital city of Bissau.
Jonathan and his delegation were immediately moved under heightened security as regional authorities coordinated a safe extraction amid the unfolding crisis.
Sources within the election monitoring team said the former president remained calm throughout the tense evacuation process, providing reassurance to other officials and maintaining communication with Nigerian authorities.
His safe return to Abuja has been widely acknowledged as a relief, considering the unpredictability and potential violence associated with sudden military uprisings in politically fragile states.
This incident has also reignited global discussions on the recurring pattern of coups that has spread across West Africa in recent years.
Guinea-Bissau, a country with a long history of political instability, has endured multiple coups and attempted coups within the last two decades, leaving its governance structure vulnerable and its institutions fragile.
Jonathan’s mission to the country was primarily aimed at assessing electoral preparedness and encouraging peaceful democratic processes ahead of scheduled national elections.
However, the unexpected military takeover abruptly disrupted the observations, forcing foreign teams to quickly abandon their assignments.
Analysts say the coup highlights the deep-rooted governance challenges facing Guinea-Bissau, including internal power struggles, economic stagnation, and weak national cohesion.
Regional bodies such as ECOWAS have repeatedly called for reforms to stabilize the nation, but progress has been slow and frequently interrupted by political upheavals.
The return of a figure as prominent as Jonathan has sparked numerous reactions across Nigeria and West Africa, with many praising his dedication to peace-building efforts despite the dangers involved.
Supporters say the former president’s commitment to democratic advocacy remains a key contribution to the region’s stability, especially as multiple West African states battle rising tensions and declining public trust in electoral systems.
International partners are expected to intensify calls for a diplomatic response to the Guinea-Bissau crisis, even as evacuation operations continue for foreign nationals still trapped in the country.
Security experts warn that the latest coup may embolden military factions in other unstable nations, encouraging similar power seizures unless stronger regional deterrent measures are implemented.
For now, Jonathan’s safe return offers relief to Nigerians who followed the unfolding situation with concern, while also underscoring the risks associated with diplomatic and election-monitoring missions in volatile regions.
The former president has yet to issue a detailed public statement, but his team confirmed that he is in good health and is expected to brief relevant authorities on the security situation in Guinea-Bissau in the coming days.
As the international community continues to monitor the crisis, Jonathan’s evacuation stands as another reminder of the growing instability sweeping across parts of West Africa and the urgent need for sustained efforts to protect democratic foundations in the region.