“People scramble in Nzerekore, Guinea, where local officials said a deadly stampede ensued at a stadium following fan clashes during a soccer match.” Reuters, December 1, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/around-50-people-feared-dead-guinea-stadium-stampede-local-official-says-2024-12-02/

By: Steve Lin
Authorities have now confirmed the deaths of at least 56 people following the violent stampedes that occurred in Nzérékoré last Sunday. 

The city was hosting the finals of a local football tournament, between Nzérékoré and Labé, in honor of the country’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya. According to witnesses, the tragic events unfolded when the controversial decision was made by a referee to award a penalty in favour of the home team. Angry supporters from the opposition responded by throwing stones and invading the pitch. Security attempted to control the situation by deploying teargas, which prompted a rush of panicked fans.

“The stone-throwing started and the police joined in, firing tear gas. In the rush and scramble that followed, I saw people fall to the ground, girls and children trampled underfoot. It was horrible,” Amara Conde, a witness to the ordeal, told Reuters.

Videos surfaced on social media depicting people trampling one another and scaling high walls in an attempt to escape the chaos.

“The gates, that’s where the stampede happened,” said Cisse Lancine, who escaped by climbing the stadium walls. “I was saved because I did not rush towards the exit.”

Ousted President Alpha Conde stated on television that authorities are currently finding who was responsible for causing the tragedy.

Conde said the event had been badly organised at an uneasy time for the country, which is waiting for Doumbouya to hold promised elections after he seized power in a 2021 coup.

Conde expressed this criticism in a statement: “In a context where the country is already marked by tensions and restrictions, this tragedy highlights the dangers of irresponsible organisation.”

The National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy opposition coalition stated authorities were responsible for organizing the tournaments to round up support for the upcoming election and Doumbouya’s illegal political agendas.

The government or Doumbouya have yet to respond to the allegations.

Works Cited

“At least 56 people killed in crush at Guinea football stadium.” The Guardian, 2 December 2024, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/02/crowd-crush-football-stadium-nzerekore-guinea. Accessed 2 December 2024.

Bate, Felix. “Around 50 people feared dead in Guinea stadium stampede, local official says.” Reuters, 2 December 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/around-50-people-feared-dead-guinea-stadium-stampede-local-official-says-2024-12-02/. Accessed 2 December 2024.

Booty, Natasha, and Sofia Ferreira Santos. “Dozens killed in crush at Guinea football match.” BBC, 2 December 2024, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdx9lg22k2po. Accessed 2 December 2024.

Reuters. “Guinea stadium crush kills 56 in soccer final.” Tribune, 2 December 2024, https://tribune.com.pk/story/2513327/guinea-stadium-crush-kills-56-in-soccer-final. Accessed 2 December 2024.

Reuters. “Guinea stadium crush kills 56 people after disputed refereeing decision.” ESPN, 2 December 2024, https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/42732228/around-50-people-feared-dead-guinea-soccer-stadium-stampede. Accessed 2 December 2024.