Human rights organizations have reported that approximately 135 individuals lost their lives in a stampede at a football stadium in Guinea, a figure that is more than double the official count of 56 provided by the military-led government of the country.
The Collective of Human Rights Organizations from the Nzerekore region stated on Tuesday that, drawing from information gathered from hospitals, cemeteries, eyewitnesses at the stadium, victim families, mosques, churches, and local media, it estimated that 135 individuals perished in the incident, with the majority being children under 18 years of age. Additionally, over 50 individuals remain unaccounted for.
A disputed refereeing decision incited violence among the crowd, prompting police to deploy tear gas during the match held in Nzerekore on Sunday, which ultimately resulted in a tragic stampede as attendees attempted to escape.
This match was the final of a cup tournament held in honor of the military government’s leader, Mamady Doumbouya, who came to power following a coup in 2021 and subsequently declared himself president.
The collective criticized the security forces for their excessive use of tear gas and for prioritizing the safety of officials over that of the spectators.
Furthermore, it was reported that vehicles transporting officials and others fleeing the stadium collided with spectators as they sought to escape from what was described as an overcrowded venue, where security forces were obstructing the exit.
The opposition coalition, the Living Forces of Guinea (FVG), issued a statement indicating that the recent crush resulted in the deaths of “approximately one hundred individuals.”
Additionally, the High Council of the Diaspora, which represents Guineans residing abroad, released a statement reporting “300 fatalities, predominantly among young people and teenagers, along with hundreds of injuries, some of which are severe.”
The military-led administration has cautioned that anyone disseminating “unverified or malicious information” regarding the incident will be subject to arrest.
Justice Minister Yaya Kairaba Kaba stated in a video shared on Facebook late Tuesday that “the spread of unverified or malicious information on social media that could disrupt public order is unacceptable and will lead to sanctions for those involved.”
He further warned that individuals participating in such actions will face arrest and prosecution under the law.
In response to the tragedy, Doumbouya has committed to establishing a commission of inquiry to investigate the cause of the stampede and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
