Tragedy in Guinea: Stadium Stampede Claims 56 Lives

A stampede at a soccer stadium in Nzerekore, Guinea, claimed the lives of 56 people, the Guinean government announced on Monday.

The tragic incident occurred Sunday during the final match of a local soccer tournament celebrating Guinea’s military leader, Mamadi Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup. The game featured teams from Nzerekore, Guinea's second-largest city, and Labe, a major commercial hub.

According to officials, the chaos began when fans started throwing stones, leading to widespread panic and a stampede. Witnesses reported that a disputed red card in the 82nd minute sparked outrage among fans, which escalated after local police responded with tear gas.

“The stone throwing started, and the police joined in, firing tear gas. In the rush and scramble that followed, I saw people fall to the ground—girls and children trampled underfoot. It was horrible,” Amara Conde, a witness, told Reuters by phone.

Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah condemned the violence in a post on X (formerly Twitter) and urged calm in Nzerekore to allow hospital staff to attend to the injured. He also announced that an investigation into the incident is underway.

The government has described the event as a tragic escalation of violence, emphasizing the need for accountability and measures to prevent future incidents.