Guinea Football Tragedy: Stampede Claims Over 100 Lives Amid Rival Fan Clashes
Eyewitness accounts describe horrific scenes, with bodies lining hospital floors and morgues overflowing due to the high number of casualties
At least 100 people have reportedly died following violent clashes between rival football fans during a match in N’Zerekore, Guinea’s second-largest city.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday during a local tournament final between the Labe and N’Zerekore teams, which was part of an event honouring military leader Mamadi Doumbouya.
The chaos began after a controversial referee decision led to protests from fans, who threw stones onto the pitch. This prompted security forces to deploy tear gas, escalating tensions and resulting in a stampede as spectators attempted to flee the chaos.
Eyewitness accounts describe horrific scenes, with bodies lining hospital floors and morgues overflowing due to the high number of casualties.
Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah confirmed the fatalities and stated that authorities are working to restore order in the region, urging for calm among the crowds.
Local media reports indicate that many victims included children and that some injured individuals remain in critical condition.
This incident is part of a troubling history of violence at sporting events in Guinea, with previous occurrences leading to significant loss of life, such as the 2009 stadium tragedy where 156 people died during a political gathering.
The government has faced criticism for its handling of such events, particularly as they relate to political tensions in the country following the military coup in 2021.
