𝐉𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧: 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐚-𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐮 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐩, 𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said the recent military intervention in Guinea-Bissau’s political crisis was not a coup, describing it instead as a “ceremonial takeover” while insisting that the country’s election results must be released without delay.

Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission to the country’s presidential and legislative polls held last Sunday, said the political tension could only be resolved by announcing the authentic will of the voters.

He explained that although soldiers briefly took control of key government locations following disputes among political actors, the action did not amount to an overthrow of constitutional order.

According to him, the delay in releasing official results has fueled uncertainty and must be addressed by the electoral authorities and ECOWAS to restore calm.

Jonathan also urged international partners and regional bodies to step up pressure on Guinea-Bissau’s political stakeholders to uphold democratic norms and ensure transparency in the electoral process.

He stressed that the stability of the country—and the credibility of future elections across West Africa—depends on respecting the people’s mandate.