Dozens of people have reportedly lost their lives in Guinea following a violent clash during a football match.
Local media estimate around 100 fatalities, with hospitals overwhelmed as morgues overflow and bodies fill corridors.
The match was part of a tournament honouring Guinea’s military junta leader, Mamadi Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup and installed himself as president.
The violence reportedly began on Sunday afternoon when a disputed referee decision triggered chaos among spectators. Witnesses claimed that fans invaded the pitch, leading to a stampede.
A witness recounted, “It all started with a contested decision by the referee,” which led to a pitch invasion.
The unrest spilled beyond the stadium, with demonstrators vandalising and setting fire to a police station. Disturbing, though unverified, videos allegedly show bodies scattered across streets outside the venue.
A local doctor, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorisation, described the harrowing scene:
“There are bodies lined up as far as the eye can see in the hospital. Others are lying on the floor in the corridors. The morgue is full.” He estimated the death toll at “around 100.” Another doctor reported “dozens of dead.”
Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah addressed the tragedy, stating:
“The government deplores the incidents that marred the football match between the Labe and Nzerekore teams this afternoon in Nzerekore. During the stampede, victims were recorded.”
An opposition group, the National Alliance for Change and Democracy, accused the authorities of bearing “significant responsibility for these grave events.” They reported dozens of fatalities but noted the final toll remains undetermined.
Local outlet Guinee Panorama reported that “the violence quickly escalated, and scenes of panic invaded the stadium, while police used tear gas.”
The incident is under investigation, with increasing calls for accountability.
