December 2nd 2024.
A tragic event unfolded at a football stadium in southern Guinea, leaving fifty-six people dead and several injured. According to the government, the stampede was a result of clashes between fans. In a statement read on national television, Communications Minister Fana Soumah announced that an investigation is underway to determine those responsible for the chaos that occurred on Sunday.
The incident took place during a football match at a crowded stadium in Guinea's largest city, Nzerekore. Reports from local media and a coalition of political parties revealed that even children were among the victims. Security forces attempted to contain the clashes, but unfortunately, their efforts were not enough to prevent the tragic outcome.
Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah shared that the stampede occurred during the final match of a local tournament between the Labe and Nzerekore teams, which was being held to honor Guinea's military leader, Mamadi Doumbouya. The situation quickly escalated, leading to chaos and confusion in the stadium. The regional authorities are now working to restore calm in the area.
According to Media Guinee, a local news outlet, the chaos was sparked by a disputed penalty, which left supporters angry and throwing stones. In an attempt to restore order, security forces used tear gas, resulting in further chaos and panic. Sadly, many of those killed and injured were children, and some of the wounded are currently in critical condition at a nearby hospital.
Videos from the scene captured the moment when fans poured onto the field, shouting and protesting the refereeing decisions. As people tried to escape the stadium, some even resorted to jumping over the high fence. Other footage showed a crowd gathered outside a hospital, where many were being treated for their injuries. The National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy coalition has called for an investigation into the incident, citing concerns about the ulterior motives behind the tournament.
Guinea has been under the control of the military since the ousting of President Alpha Conde in 2021. This is a growing trend in West African countries, with countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso also experiencing military takeovers. Mamadi Doumbouya, who took power three years ago, claimed to be preventing the country from falling into chaos. However, his leadership has been met with criticism for not fulfilling the promises he made. This tragic event at the football stadium is just one of the many challenges facing Guinea as it tries to navigate its way back to civilian rule.
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