A tragic incident during a soccer tournament final in southeast Guinea has claimed the lives of at least 56 people, according to provisional reports from the government.
The match, held in Nzerekore, one of Guinea's major cities, was part of a tournament honoring military leader Mamady Doumbouya.
The chaos unfolded after a contentious refereeing decision escalated tensions among fans. Stone-throwing by some attendees caused panic, leading to a deadly crush, the government stated, while pledging to conduct a thorough investigation.
Disturbing footage authenticated by Reuters showed people frantically climbing over high stadium walls to escape the turmoil. Eyewitness accounts revealed that police use of tear gas intensified the confusion, trapping many—particularly minors—in the chaos.
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An anonymous local government official described scenes of despair, with grieving parents retrieving their children's bodies amidst the chaos. Graphic images circulating online depicted rows of victims, including numerous children.
Critics have linked the tragedy to political motivations, accusing authorities of organizing such events to garner support for Doumbouya in violation of Guinea’s transition charter. The opposition group National Alliance for Change and Democracy held the military junta accountable for the disaster.
