In brief
Tragedy struck during a football match in N'zérékoré, Guinea, as chaotic scenes unfolded following conflicts between fans and police, leading to a harrowing stampede that took many lives.
Following a tense atmosphere created by a controversial referee decision, supporters from the Labé team reportedly threw stones, which prompted police to use tear gas to disperse the crowd. Eyewitness accounts describe alarming chaos outside the stadium, where many attempted to escape the crush, and numerous bodies were seen lying on the ground. Local media have highlighted that medical facilities are overwhelmed with casualties, and the situation remains critical as officials strive to restore order. Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah has called for calm while regional authorities engage with hospitals to assist the injured. This tragic event echoes past violent incidents in Guinea, including a notorious 2009 stadium massacre that left 156 deceased during an opposition rally. The country grapples with a history of tragic violence tied to sports events.
