Tragedy in Guinea

“Dozens” to “around 100” dead after soccer match

Terrible riots broke out in the city of N'Zerekore.(Bild: X/benilamine1)

According to official figures, at least 56 people have died in riots and subsequent mass panic at a soccer stadium in Guinea. The trigger was a controversial refereeing decision in the final of a tournament in the city of Nzerekore on Sunday, as the government of the West African country announced on Monday. Some fans had thrown stones, leading to panic and crowds.

Video footage verified by the Reuters news agency shows dozens of people trying to climb over high walls to get to safety. A representative of the city administration, who did not want to give his name, said that many of the victims were minors who were caught up in the commotion after the police used tear gas. There was chaos. Some parents had recovered bodies before they were officially registered.

Children among the victims
Further videos and photos circulated online, the authenticity of which could not initially be confirmed. They show people lying in rows on the ground. One video shows over a dozen motionless bodies, including several children.

The tournament was held in honor of Mamady Doumbouya, the head of the ruling military junta. The opposition blamed the authorities for the events.