Former President Goodluck Jonathan has briefed President Bola Tinubu on the political crisis in Guinea-Bissau, a West African nation, following its disputed presidential election and subsequent military takeover. The situation has sparked concern and calls for dialogue.
On Wednesday, military officers seized control of Guinea-Bissau, just three days after the country's controversial presidential and legislative elections. The officers' actions were swift and decisive, suspending the electoral process, closing borders, and halting the announcement of election results.
Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Observer Mission to Guinea-Bissau, met with President Tinubu in Abuja on Saturday. During this meeting, Jonathan provided a detailed, firsthand account of the turmoil that followed the military takeover, which effectively froze the electoral process.
As a former President, it is customary for Jonathan to brief the current President on significant developments in West Africa. He emphasized the importance of keeping the President informed to enable him to brief the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during its summit.
Jonathan highlighted the need for the winner of the election to be formally announced, as the vote tallying in Guinea-Bissau had already been completed. He urged ECOWAS leaders to engage with the military leaders to restore constitutional order and ensure a peaceful transition.
The former Bayelsa State governor also called for the immediate release of the detained opposition candidate, Fernando Diaz, who has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Jonathan emphasized that Diaz never proclaimed himself the winner, and his detention was unjustified.
Jonathan described the events in Guinea-Bissau as a 'ceremonial coup,' emphasizing that it was not a palace coup and that the military's actions were not a genuine attempt to seize power. He urged ECOWAS to engage with the military leaders to find a peaceful resolution and prevent further instability.
The situation in Guinea-Bissau highlights the ongoing challenges of political transitions and the importance of dialogue and cooperation in resolving crises in West Africa.
