A disputed refereeing decision during a soccer match in southeast Guinea triggered violence and a fatal crush, leaving 56 people dead, according to provisional figures released by the government on Monday.
The tragedy unfolded at the final of a tournament honoring Guinea’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, held in a stadium in Nzerekore, one of the country’s largest cities.
Tensions escalated after fans began throwing stones, inciting panic and resulting in a deadly stampede, according to a government statement. Officials pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
A video authenticated by Reuters showed spectators frantically scaling high walls to escape the chaos. Eyewitness accounts described widespread confusion and distress.
An anonymous city administration official revealed that numerous victims were minors caught in the turmoil after police deployed tear gas to control the situation. The official recounted parents rushing to recover the bodies of their children before an official count could be made.
Online videos and images depicted harrowing scenes, with victims lying on the ground, including children. One video showed over a dozen lifeless bodies. Reuters could not independently verify this footage.
The National Alliance for Change and Democracy, an opposition group, criticized the authorities for organizing tournaments allegedly aimed at bolstering support for Doumbouya, in violation of a transition charter preceding promised elections.
The military junta has not responded to the accusations.
