According to a report by Daily Post on Friday, November 28, 2025, former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has stated that the recent events in Guinea-Bissau should not be classified as a coup.
He clarified that the situation does not meet the typical definition of a coup despite the military involvement and the temporary disruption of governmental activities.
Jonathan emphasized that the announcement of control by the military came after the president, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, had already addressed the nation.
Goodluck Jonathan explained that President Embaló initially announced the developments in the country, providing clarity on the situation before the military presented their position to the public.
According to Jonathan, this sequence of events distinguishes it from a conventional coup, where military forces usually take control without prior communication from the sitting president.
He further described the occurrence as possibly a “ceremonial coup,” noting that the military’s involvement appeared limited to formalizing a temporary oversight rather than executing a full seizure of power.
Jonathan underlined that such incidents, while concerning, do not automatically equate to unconstitutional power transfers.
Goodluck Jonathan highlighted that clarity in communication from leaders is critical during such situations.
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He noted that the public often interprets events based on reports of military involvement, but the formal statements from the head of state carry significant weight in determining the nature of the political incident.
Jonathan emphasized that the international community should carefully consider the facts before labeling such occurrences as coups.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan concluded that while the military addressed the world claiming authority, the overall structure of government in Guinea-Bissau remained intact.
He said: “Because, for two things: it is the president, President Embaló, that announced it. And specifically what happened in Guinea-Bissau, I wouldn’t call it a coup. It was not a coup. Maybe some people describe it as not quite… for want of a better word, I will say, maybe a ceremonial coup, because for two things: it is the president, President Embaló, that announced it, before later the military man came up to address the world that they were in charge. View, More,
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