The Digest:
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and other African leaders find democracy on fragile ground after a military coup in Guinea-Bissau. The officers, forming a "High Military Command," seized power just as the nation awaited presidential election results, leaving international observers stranded and a constitutional process in suspense.
Key Points:
- The military suspended the electoral process, shut borders, and announced a curfew.
- President Umaro Sissoco Embalo confirmed he had been deposed in the takeover.
- Former President Jonathan and Mozambique's ex-leader were stranded on an observer mission.
- The coup leaders cited a "destabilisation plan" and election manipulation as their motive.
- Gunfire erupted near government buildings in the capital, Bissau, causing panic.
- International election observer missions condemned the coup and called for constitutional order.
- The military was urged to release detained electoral officials to complete the process.
Sources: THISDAY, Reuters
