Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed deep concern over the recent ceremonial coup in Guinea-Bissau, saying it pains him even more than the day he called Muhammadu Buhari to concede defeat as a sitting president in 2015.

Addressing the press in Nigeria, Jonathan explained that his emotional reaction stems from his long involvement in peace efforts in the country. He recalled that when Guinea-Bissau plunged into crisis in 2013, he was appointed—alongside other regional leaders—to intervene.

Jonathan described the severity of the situation during that visit, revealing that on the very day he landed, an army officer walked into the prime minister’s office and slapped him. He said the incident demonstrated how fragile and volatile the country was, making the current ceremonial coup especially troubling to him.

Jonathan emphasized the importance of stability in Guinea-Bissau and urged regional cooperation to help restore order and constitutional governance.