Guinea is in mourning after a devastating stampede at a soccer stadium in the southern region claimed the lives of 56 people and left many others injured.
The tragedy occurred on Sunday during a heated soccer match, with clashes among fans spiraling out of control. Security forces attempted to intervene, using tear gas to disperse the crowd, but the situation escalated, resulting in a deadly stampede.
Videos from the scene captured the chaos, with fans pouring onto the field and others scaling high fences in desperate attempts to escape. Many victims, including children, were trampled in the panic. Some of the injured remain in critical condition at a regional hospital, and families are grieving the loss of loved ones.
Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah addressed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), expressing condolences and assuring the public that local authorities are working to restore order. “Victims were recorded during the stampede,” he wrote, while not specifying the exact toll.
Tragedy strikes in #Guinea as crowd crush at a soccer match leaves at least 56 dead and many injured.
— The Asian Chronicle (@AsianChronicle) December 2, 2024
The chaos erupted after a contested referee decision, with fans storming the pitch. pic.twitter.com/P6DDcJS1sn
The tournament where the tragedy unfolded has drawn criticism for being politically motivated. The National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy, a coalition of political groups, alleged that the event was organized to promote the controversial ambitions of the country’s military leader.
Guinea has been under military rule since President Alpha Conde was ousted in 2021. While the junta initially promised reforms and stability, critics argue it has failed to meet those expectations.