A deadly stampede at a soccer stadium in Nzerekore, southeast Guinea, claimed several lives on Sunday following clashes between fans during a heated match. The incident occurred during the final of a tournament held in honor of Guinea's military leader, Mamady Doumbouya. Videos circulating online revealed harrowing scenes, including lifeless bodies—many of them children—lined up on the ground. Although the government has not released an official death toll, eyewitnesses and opposition groups reported dozens of fatalities.
The tragedy unfolded after a referee’s controversial decision sparked a violent altercation among spectators. According to local media, the fight escalated rapidly, plunging the stadium into chaos as fans scrambled for safety. Tear gas was reportedly deployed by the police to quell the unrest, further exacerbating the panic. Graphic images showed some fans attempting to escape by climbing over the stadium walls.
Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah condemned the incident, expressing deep regret over the loss of life and vowing to restore order. In a statement, he acknowledged the stampede’s devastating impact and assured the public that authorities were investigating the tragedy. Local officials are working to determine the exact number of casualties and the circumstances leading to the disaster.
The opposition group National Alliance for Change and Democracy held authorities accountable, accusing them of failing to ensure safety at the event. The group argued that the government bore significant responsibility for the disorder and called for immediate action to prevent similar incidents. The violent turn of events at a celebration of sport has ignited widespread outrage and demands for justice.
The tournament, meant to unite communities and honor national pride, has instead plunged the nation into mourning. As Guinea grapples with the tragedy, questions linger over the preparedness of security forces and the management of large public events. This horrific incident adds to the growing concern over crowd safety at sporting venues across Africa.
