A crowd crush at a soccer match in Nzerekore, Guinea, has resulted in at least 56 deaths and numerous injuries, according to authorities. The incident occurred during a game between the Labé and Nzérékoré teams at a packed stadium in the southern city.
Investigations are underway, with Information Minister Fana Soumah confirming the government's efforts to determine the cause. Social media videos depicted fans scrambling to escape over stadium walls amidst chaos.
Witnesses reported that tensions escalated after a refereeing decision late in the match, leading to stone-throwing by fans and subsequent police intervention with tear gas. The resulting panic and stampede caused many to be trampled, including women and children, according to eyewitness accounts.
Prime Minister Bah Oury has called for calm and instructed city authorities to ensure "social tranquility" while prioritizing medical aid for the injured. He promised a detailed account of the incident in due course.
The match was reportedly part of a tournament organized by Guinea's ruling military junta, linked to the candidacy of junta leader and current president Mamady Doumbouya. The event has drawn criticism from former leader Alpha Conde, who questioned its timing amidst ongoing tensions and restrictions in the country.
This tragic event adds to the ongoing instability in West and Central Africa, a region that has experienced eight coups since 2020, reflecting heightened political and social volatility.
