Goodluck Jonathan Dismisses Guinea-Bissau Event as “Ceremonial Coup,” Suggests Electoral Motive
DAKAR – In a surprising assessment, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has characterized the recent military intervention in Guinea-Bissau not as a genuine coup d’état, but as a “ceremonial coup,” implying it may have been staged to alter the outcome of a presidential election.
Jonathan, who led the ECOWAS election observation mission to the country, expressed his skepticism following an incident where President Umaro Sissoco Embalo claimed he had been arrested by the military. The event caused alarm and international condemnation.
“It was strange,” Jonathan stated, highlighting the unusual nature of the event. “The President himself announced the ‘coup’ and continued speaking freely to the media.”
His comments suggest a deep suspicion that President Embalo, who appears to have been facing electoral defeat, may have colluded with or utilized the military to disrupt the democratic process. Jonathan confirmed that the presidential election held on Sunday was largely peaceful and that the results from the majority of polling stations were already collated and ready for announcement before the disruption occurred.
“The results were ready,” Jonathan emphasized, urging the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union to take immediate action. “We are calling on them to release the official results.”
This narrative points to a potential scenario where the incumbent, fearing an official loss, used the military to create chaos and block the National Election Commission from declaring the results, thereby holding onto power.
In a related development, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio announced on the social media platform X that the military has since released President Embalo. According to the post, Embalo has now taken refuge in neighboring Senegal.
The situation leaves Guinea-Bissau in a state of political limbo, with international observers now pressuring regional bodies to intervene and ensure the will of the voters is upheld.
About The Author
