Former President Goodluck Jonathan has been trapped in Guinea-Bissau following a sudden military takeover in the country. Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) election observation mission, was caught in the crisis as soldiers seized power shortly after the presidential polls.

According to multiple reports, the coup leaders announced the formation of a “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order” and immediately shut all land, air, and sea borders, leaving Jonathan, AU and ECOWAS observers, and other foreign dignitaries unable to leave the country.

The military claimed it acted to prevent alleged manipulation of election results, even as tensions rose in the capital. Despite being stranded, Jonathan and other observers have been reported safe, though the timeline for their evacuation remains uncertain.

Regional bodies are expected to respond as diplomatic efforts intensify to restore constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and secure the safe passage of all foreign observers.