ISSAU, Guinea-Bissau — Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has criticized Guinea-Bissau’s recent military takeover, describing it as a “ceremonial coup” after soldiers appeared on state television claiming control of the country.
The events followed reports of heavy gunfire near the presidential palace, just three days after national elections.
Jonathan’s Remarks
Jonathan questioned the unusual circumstances, noting that President Umaro Sissoco Embaló himself initially announced the coup and addressed media organizations during the takeover.
“Military don’t take over governments, and the sitting president that they overthrow would be allowed to be addressing press conferences and announcing that he has been arrested. Who is fooling who?” Jonathan said, calling the situation “quite disturbing” for democracy supporters.
Embaló’s Legitimacy Crisis
Embaló had already faced a legitimacy crisis, with opposition parties insisting his mandate had expired and refusing to recognize him as president.
Longstanding Instability
Guinea-Bissau has endured repeated coups since gaining independence from Portugal more than 50 years ago. Analysts warn the latest unrest threatens fragile democratic gains in the nation of 2.2 million people, which continues to struggle with entrenched poverty and drug trafficking.