Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has shed light on why he flew back to Nigeria on an Ivorian presidential aircraft following the recent political turmoil in Guinea-Bissau.
Jonathan, who was in the country as head of the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission, said the sudden outbreak of instability left him and his team stranded after Guinea-Bissau’s airspace was closed. With no commercial flights available, the delegation had to rely on regional solidarity.
According to Jonathan, President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire stepped in to provide his presidential jet, ensuring their safe passage back to Nigeria. “It was not a matter of choice but necessity. The airspace was shut, and we needed to leave safely. President Ouattara graciously offered his jet, and we are grateful for that gesture of brotherhood,” Jonathan explained.
He added that the incident underscores the importance of regional cooperation and solidarity among West African leaders, especially during crises that threaten democratic processes. Jonathan also reiterated his earlier description of the Guinea-Bissau incident as a “ceremonial coup”, stressing that the real issue remains the failure to release election results.
Context and Implications (woven into the narrative)
Jonathan’s account highlights both the fragility of Guinea-Bissau’s democracy and the reliance of regional actors on mutual support during emergencies. His safe evacuation via an Ivorian jet illustrates how ECOWAS leaders often step in to protect one another, reinforcing the bloc’s role as a stabilizing force in West Africa.
The episode also reflects the risks faced by election observers and mediators, who can be caught in volatile political crises. Analysts note that Jonathan’s transparency about the evacuation helps dispel speculation and reinforces the narrative of regional unity in the face of instability.
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