Dozens feared dead after Stampede at Guinea football match
Guinea’s Prime Minister Bah Oury condemned the violence in a statement on Sunday.
Tragedy struck a football game in Nzerekore, Guinea, when clashes led to a deadly stampede. Dozens of people are feared dead, and many others are injured, health officials report.
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The incident happened on Sunday afternoon in Nzerekore, a city with around 200,000 people. The violence started when rival fans stormed the field after a referee made a controversial decision.
Fans Storm the Field
According to the local news site Guineenews, fans of the visiting team, Labe, were unhappy with the referee's call. In protest, they began throwing stones onto the field. This caused chaos, and police responded by using tear gas.
The situation quickly got out of control. A stampede broke out, with fans trying to escape the turmoil. Witnesses reported scenes of panic as people rushed for safety.
Many Feared Dead
The exact number of casualties is unclear. Health officials told the AFP news agency that dozens had died. One doctor estimated the toll could be as high as 100.
“There are bodies everywhere,” a doctor at the hospital said. “The morgue is full, and others are lying in the hallways.”
Health officials said they are still trying to count how many people died or were hurt. But they believe it is one of the worst tragedies in the city’s history.
Prime Minister Urges Calm
Guinea’s Prime Minister Bah Oury condemned the violence in a statement on Sunday. He urged the public to remain calm and promised a full investigation. The government will release an official report once all the facts are gathered, he said.
After the clashes at the match, anger spilled into the streets. Protesters vandalized and burned the Nzerekore police station, Guineenews reported.
“It all started with the referee’s decision,” a witness told AFP. “Then, fans invaded the pitch, and everything went wrong from there.”
Political Tensions Behind the Game
The football match was part of a tournament honoring Guinea’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya. Doumbouya took power in a coup in 2021 and is now the country’s president.
Critics, including Guinea’s National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy (ANAD), have criticized such tournaments. They claim the events are part of Doumbouya’s plan to run for president next year.
Doumbouya has faced backlash since taking power. International groups have pressured him to return control to a civilian government by the end of 2024. Despite this, Doumbouya has suggested he might run for president.
In recent months, his supporters have openly called for his candidacy, raising concerns about his commitment to a democratic transition.
Military Leadership in West Africa
Guinea is not the only country in West Africa facing military rule. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have also experienced coups since 2020. These coups have sparked international concerns about stability in the region.
