Tragedy Strikes Guinea as Stampede Claims 56 Lives at Soccer Match
A Sunday afternoon soccer match in Guinea descended into chaos, culminating in a deadly stampede that killed 56 people and left several injured. The tragedy unfolded during the final of a local tournament in Nzerekore, a city in southern Guinea, where tensions flared after a disputed penalty call.
"During the stampede, victims were recorded," Guinean Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah stated on X, formerly known as Twitter. While he didn’t provide specific details about the casualties, authorities have confirmed that children were among the victims.
The incident swiftly escalated after fans reacted angrily to the referee’s decision. According to Media Guinea, a local news website, “This (the disputed penalty) angered supporters who threw stones. This is how the security services used tear gas.”
Videos circulating online capture the chilling sequence of events. Fans are seen shouting and protesting the referee’s call before breaking onto the field. The palpable tension quickly turns to panic as the crowd surges towards the exits, desperately seeking escape.
Heart-wrenching footage shows people trying to climb the high fences surrounding the stadium, their expressions a mixture of fear and desperation. Later videos depict scenes at a nearby hospital, where victims lie on the floor as medical staff and concerned onlookers work to provide aid.
The National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy, a Guinean opposition coalition, issued a call for a thorough investigation into the incident. They criticized the tournament’s organizers, alleging that the event was intended to rally support for the military leader, Mamadi Doumbouya, a claim Doumbouya has denied.
Guinea has been under military rule since a coup ousted President Alpha Conde in 2021. This tragedy highlights the fragile state of the nation and raises concerns about the stability of the military government. Guinea is one of several West African nations where military takeovers have disrupted democratic processes, prompting concerns about the region’s future.
The devastating incident has sent shockwaves through the nation. The Guinean government has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the stampede and to hold those responsible accountable. However, the trauma of this tragedy will undoubtedly linger for the families and friends of the victims, as well as for the entire nation.
