A disputed refereeing decision led to a tragic stampede during a soccer match in southeast Guinea, resulting in the deaths of 56 people, according to a provisional government report released on Monday. The incident occurred during the final of a tournament held in honor of Guinea’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, at a stadium in Nzerekore, one of the largest cities in the country.
The violence broke out following a controversial decision on the field, which provoked some fans to throw stones, triggering widespread panic and a deadly crush. The government has vowed to conduct an investigation into the incident. A video authenticated by Reuters captured scenes of chaos, showing dozens of spectators attempting to climb over high stadium walls to escape.
An official from the city’s administration, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that many of the victims were minors caught in the chaos as police responded with tear gas. The official described the ensuing scenes as full of confusion, with some parents taking the bodies of their loved ones away before they could be officially counted. Videos shared online showed numerous victims lying on the ground, including children. In one video, more than a dozen lifeless bodies could be seen. Reuters, however, could not immediately verify the authenticity of the footage.
The opposition group National Alliance for Change and Democracy has blamed the authorities, accusing them of organizing such tournaments to build political support for Doumbouya, in violation of a transition charter established before a promised presidential election. The military junta has not yet responded to these allegations.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over the country, sparking grief and raising questions about the safety measures in place at public events, particularly those that appear to serve political ends.