Guinea: Tragic Stampede at Soccer Stadium Claims 56 Lives
Images of the stampeade, Dec 2024 Photo:@denverpost
December 2, 2024 Hour: 12:38 pm
A devastating stampede at a soccer stadium in southern Guinea resulted in the deaths of fifty-six people and left several others injured, according to the government.
Related:
Guinea: Political Transition Will Not End on Dec. 31
The incident occurred on Sunday during a match, as clashes erupted among fans, prompting security forces to intervene. Communications Minister Fana Soumah announced that an investigation is underway to identify those responsible for the tragedy.
The stampede broke out in a packed stadium as security attempted to control the escalating violence among supporters. Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah addressed the situation on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging that “victims were recorded during the stampede.” While he did not provide specific details about the death toll, he assured that regional authorities are working to restore order in the area.
The National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy, a coalition of political parties, confirmed in a statement that the disaster resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries. This tragic event underscores ongoing issues related to crowd management and stadium safety in Guinea. As families and communities mourn their losses, investigations are expected to follow.
Local media reported that security forces resorted to using tear gas in an attempt to quell the chaos that ensued after a disputed penalty decision angered supporters. According to Media Guinea, fans began throwing stones, leading to the deployment of tear gas by security services. Tragically, several of those who lost their lives were children, and some of the injured are currently receiving treatment at a regional hospital, with many in critical condition.
Videos from the scene depicted chaotic moments as fans protested against the refereeing decisions before clashes erupted and supporters rushed onto the field. Many individuals were seen fleeing the stadium, with some attempting to jump over high fences for safety. Additional footage showed numerous people lying on hospital floors as crowds gathered nearby, assisting those who were wounded.
The National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy has called for a thorough investigation into the incident. They criticized the tournament’s organization as being aimed at supporting what they described as the “illegal and inappropriate” political ambitions of Guinea’s military leader. Since seizing power from President Alpha Conde in 2021, Guinea has been under military rule—a trend observed in several West African nations such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso where military governments have delayed returns to civilian governance.
Colonel Mamady Doumbouya led the coup against Conde three years ago, citing concerns over potential chaos and criticizing the previous administration for failing to fulfill its promises. However, he has faced criticism for not meeting public expectations since taking power.
Autor: OSG
Fuente: EFE-Africanews
