The tension escalated after military officers in Guinea-Bissau announced they had taken full control of the country, arrested President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, suspended the electoral process, sealed national borders, and imposed a curfew. Heavy gunfire echoed around the presidential palace, and major access routes were blocked as soldiers tightened their grip on power. The coup, which occurred just before the release of the November 23 presidential election results, threw the nation into chaos, especially after both leading candidates had pre-declared victory.
Nigeria’s House of Representatives had earlier expressed deep worry over Jonathan’s safety. Lawmakers urged the Federal Government to take urgent diplomatic steps to ensure his protection, describing the situation as a national concern. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu labelled the issue an emergency, while House Leader Julius Ihonvbere emphasized Jonathan’s extensive experience as an international election observer and confirmed that efforts were already underway to secure his return. The House later passed a unanimous resolution calling on the government to activate every possible diplomatic channel.
Beyond Jonathan’s evacuation, Nigeria sharply condemned the coup itself. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the military’s actions threaten not just Guinea-Bissau’s democracy, but the stability of the entire West African region. The government described the takeover as a blatant violation of ECOWAS principles, stressing that power must never be seized through unconstitutional means. Nigeria demanded the immediate restoration of civil rule, release of all detainees, and protection of democratic institutions.
Meanwhile, the coup plotters appointed General Horta N’Tam, the army’s chief of staff, to lead the country for one year. He defended the military’s actions as necessary to “block operations that threatened democracy,” insisting there was enough evidence to justify their intervention. The move deepened concerns, as Guinea-Bissau remains one of the most politically fragile nations in West Africa, having suffered multiple coups since 1974 and struggling with poverty and drug-trafficking networks.
International reactions poured in swiftly. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern, while Portugal urged calm and warned against violence. ECOWAS, the AU, and global rights groups condemned the takeover, emphasizing that media interference and attacks on institutions undermine critical freedoms. Reporters Without Borders described the suspension of media as a serious violation of the public’s right to information during a crisis.
Jonathan and other regional leaders, including former Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi and ECOWAS observation mission head Issifu Kamara, also condemned the coup, warning it was a direct attempt to subvert democracy. They appealed for calm and reaffirmed support for Guinea-Bissau during what they called an extremely sensitive moment.
Nigeria reiterated its pledge to work with ECOWAS, the African Union, and global partners to restore order and promote stability in the region. The government emphasized its commitment to defending democracy across the continent and ensuring that constitutional governance returns to Guinea-Bissau as swiftly as possible.