Tragedy in Guinea as 56 Killed in Soccer Stadium Stampede
By Lawrence Bilal Audu
A devastating stampede at a soccer stadium in southern Guinea has left 56 people dead and several others injured, according to the government. The tragedy occurred on Sunday during a local tournament match between the Labe and Nzérékoré teams, which was honoring Guinean interim president Mamadi Doumbouya.
The stampede erupted when security forces attempted to control clashes among fans, who were angry over a disputed penalty call. The situation quickly spiralled out of control, with fans throwing stones and security forces responding with tear gas. The chaos led to a massive stampede, with people rushing onto the field and trying to escape the stadium.
Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah addressed the tragedy on social media, confirming that victims were recorded during the stampede. While he did not specify the death toll, Bah assured that regional authorities are working to restore calm in the area.
The National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy coalition has called for an investigation into the disaster, which highlights ongoing challenges with crowd management and stadium safety in Guinea.
Authorities are conducting an investigation to establish those responsible for the stampede. The incident has overwhelmed local medical facilities, with reports of bodies lined up in hospitals and the morgue being full.
The tragedy has sparked widespread condemnation, with many criticizing the military leader’s “illegal and inappropriate” political ambition. The military has led Guinea since soldiers ousted President Alpha Conde in 2021.
As families and the community mourn the loss of lives, there are growing concerns about the country’s ability to manage large crowds and ensure stadium safety. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved safety measures and crowd control strategies in Guinea.
