At Least 56 Killed in Deadly Stampedes at Guinea Football Match
At least 56 people were killed in deadly stampedes during a football match in N’Zerekore, Guinea’s second-largest city, the government confirmed on Monday. The tragedy occurred during a game on Sunday, where violent protests over a disputed referee decision escalated, leading to chaos and stampedes among the supporters.
The government issued a statement attributing the deadly incident to stone-throwing by fans, which was triggered by dissatisfaction with the refereeing decisions. This led to fatal stampedes at the match, which was part of a tournament organized in honor of Guinea’s military leader, Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya.
Eyewitnesses reported horrific scenes, with bodies filling local hospitals and morgues. One doctor described the aftermath, saying, “There are bodies lined up as far as the eye can see in the hospital. Others are lying on the floor in the hallways. The morgue is full,” adding that the death toll could be much higher than the initial estimate of 56, with some estimating around 100 deaths. Social media videos shared after the incident showed chaotic scenes, with numerous bodies lying on the ground and angry demonstrators setting fire to a police station in N’Zerekore.
The match was part of a tournament tied to the political agenda of Guinea’s junta leader, Mamadi Doumbouya, who took power in a 2021 coup and has since maintained a tight grip on power. Despite pledging to return the country to civilian rule by the end of 2024, Doumbouya has indicated that he may extend his rule, with supporters calling for him to run in the upcoming presidential election.
Guinea, a nation rich in natural resources, remains one of the poorest countries in West Africa, and its political landscape has been shaped by military coups and authoritarian rule. Doumbouya’s government has faced growing international pressure to return to civilian governance, but with the latest political turmoil and deadly violence, the country’s future remains uncertain.
