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At least 56 people have lost their lives following a deadly stampede at a football match in Nzérékoré, Guinea’s second-largest city. The incident occurred during a match between Nzérékoré and Labé, part of a tournament honoring President Mamady Doumbouya, according to Guinea’s government.
The chaos reportedly began when fans of the visiting team, Labé, threw stones onto the pitch in protest of a referee’s decision. Police responded with tear gas, exacerbating the panic. Witnesses described fans invading the pitch, triggering a mass stampede.
Social media footage depicts harrowing scenes, including bodies lying on the ground and people attempting to scale stadium walls to escape. Some of the victims appeared to be children.
Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah labeled the event a “tragedy,” extending condolences to the victims’ families and pledging an inquiry to identify those responsible. He also promised comprehensive medical and psychological care for the injured.
A local doctor described the grim situation at the hospital, where “bodies lined up as far as the eye can see,” while others lay in hallways due to a full morgue. Internet restrictions in the region and heavy police presence at the hospital were reported, further complicating access for families.
The tournament where the tragedy occurred has drawn attention due to its association with Guinea’s political leadership. The country’s football scene has been under scrutiny recently, with allegations of corruption and violence involving prominent figures like Aboubacar Sampil, president of Guinea’s football federation (Feguifoot).
