Authorities in Guinea have reported a devastating crowd crush at a soccer match in the southern city of Nzerekore, resulting in the loss of at least 56 lives and numerous injuries. The incident occurred during a football match between the Labé and Nzérékoré teams at a stadium in Nzerekore, West Africa.
According to the Information minister, investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the crush. Social media videos captured chaotic scenes as fans desperately tried to escape the overcrowded stadium, with some seen scaling walls to flee.
Prime Minister Bah Oury expressed deep regret over the tragic events and urged for calm to ensure that medical services can attend to the injured promptly. The government has called for the restoration of social tranquility in the city.
Reports suggest that clashes between fans and security personnel erupted following disputed refereeing decisions, leading to a stampede as spectators sought to exit the stadium. However, these details are yet to be officially confirmed.
Local media sources indicated that the match was part of a tournament organized by Guinea's ruling military junta in support of Mamady Doumbouya's potential presidential candidacy. Doumbouya, who took power in a coup in 2021, has positioned himself as a presidential contender for the upcoming elections in 2025.
The incident in Nzerekore underscores the political instability in the region, with several military coups occurring in West and Central Africa since 2020. The volatile situation has raised concerns about the potential shift towards military rule in a region abundant in resources but plagued by poverty.
