56 feared dead as refereeing decision sparks violence in Guinea

By Tosin Omojola

A controversial refereeing decision triggered violence and a deadly crush during a soccer match in southeast Guinea, leaving 56 people dead, according to a provisional government toll announced on Monday.

The tragedy occurred during the final match of a tournament held in honor of Guinea’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, at a stadium in Nzérékoré, one of the country’s largest cities.

The government stated that the violence began when some fans, angered by the refereeing decision, started throwing stones, causing panic and a stampede. Authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the incident.

A video authenticated by Reuters showed dozens of spectators desperately climbing over high walls in an attempt to escape the chaos.

An official from the city’s administration, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that many victims were minors caught in the turmoil after police deployed tear gas to control the crowd. The official described the scene as one of utter confusion, with some parents retrieving the bodies of their children before an official count could be made.

Images and videos shared online showed harrowing scenes of victims laid out on the ground. In one video, more than a dozen lifeless bodies were visible, several of them children.

The opposition group, National Alliance for Change and Democracy, accused the authorities of using the tournament to bolster political support for Doumbouya, allegedly violating the transition charter that mandates a presidential election.

There was no immediate response from the military junta to these allegations.