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The Digest:

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has challenged the characterization of Guinea-Bissau's military intervention as a coup, instead calling it a "ceremonial coup" and demanding that regional bodies announce the stalled election results. According to his address in Abuja, the former ECOWAS chairman argued the event lacked the hallmarks of a genuine takeover, pointing to the paradoxical freedom of the allegedly detained president.

Key Points:
  • Jonathan labeled the event a "ceremonial coup," citing President Embaló's own announcement
  • He questioned the coup's validity as Embaló freely used his phone to address the global media
  • The former Nigerian leader urged ECOWAS and the AU to officially announce the collated election results
  • He revealed results from all nine regions were ready before the process was suspended
  • Jonathan criticized Embaló, a former ECOWAS chair, for his role in the disruption
  • He called for the immediate release of opposition candidate Fernando Dias
  • The ex-President expressed deep personal disappointment over the subversion of democracy
In a region weary of political instability, the call for transparency becomes a shield against the slow erosion of democratic faith.


Sources: The Cable