Dozens dead in crowd crush at soccer match in Guinea
A crowd crush at a soccer match in Nzérékoré, Guinea, has resulted in at least 56 fatalities and numerous injuries, authorities confirmed on Monday.
Guinea’s Information Minister, Fana Soumah, announced that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the tragedy at the stadium in the southern city.
Social media footage showed fans desperately trying to escape the overcrowded venue.
Prime Minister Bah Oury expressed sorrow over the incident, which occurred during a match between the Labé and Nzérékoré teams.
He urged for calm to avoid further disruptions and ensure medical services can assist the injured. Oury emphasized that local authorities have been tasked with restoring order. A detailed report on the incident is expected soon.
CNN footage geolocated to the scene showed fans climbing a wall in an attempt to escape the stadium in Nzérékoré, southeastern Guinea.
According to Mediaguinee, tensions escalated into clashes between fans and security over a series of controversial referee decisions, which were followed by a stampede as the crowd tried to flee the stadium.
CNN has not been able to independently verify these reports.
Local media outlet Avenirguinee stated that the match was part of a tournament organized by Guinea’s ruling military junta to support the presidential candidacy of Mamady Doumbouya.
Doumbouya, who took power in a 2021 coup and has since declared himself president, is reportedly considering a run in the 2025 elections. He is among several leaders who have seized power in the politically unstable region since 2020.
West and Central Africa have witnessed at least eight successful coups since 2020, raising concerns about a potential shift toward military rule in a region rich in resources but plagued by poverty.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at NeptunePrime.
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