A catastrophic stampede at a soccer stadium in Nzérékoré, Guinea, has claimed the lives of 56 people and left numerous others injured. The tragedy unfolded on Sunday during the final of a local soccer tournament, an event organized to honor Guinea's military leader, Mamadi Doumbouya. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and demands for accountability as authorities investigate the root causes of the disaster.

Guinea's Communications Minister Fana Soumah confirmed the grim toll in a televised statement, announcing that the government would conduct a thorough investigation to "identify those responsible and ensure justice is served." Among the victims were several children, according to local media and opposition groups. The stampede has plunged the nation into mourning and raised questions about the event's organization and safety measures.

Witnesses reported that the chaos erupted following a controversial penalty call during the match between Labé and Nzérékoré. Fans angered by the decision began throwing objects, leading to clashes between supporters. Security forces attempted to quell the unrest by deploying tear gas, but this escalation only intensified the panic, according to local news outlet Mediaguinee. "This (the penalty) angered supporters who threw stones," the outlet reported, noting that the tear gas created a stampede as people scrambled to escape.

 

Videos circulating on social media captured the harrowing scenes of people fleeing the overcrowded stadium. Some climbed high fences in desperate attempts to escape, while others trampled one another in the chaos. Images also showed victims lying motionless on the ground, with many receiving treatment in overwhelmed hospitals.

Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah addressed the nation on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing sorrow over the tragedy and urging calm. "The government deplores the incidents that marred the football match... and reiterates its call for calm so that hospital services are not hindered in providing first aid to the injured," Bah wrote. Regional authorities have been tasked with restoring order in the area as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the disaster.

The soccer tournament, reportedly organized by Guinea's ruling military junta, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition groups. The National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy, an opposition coalition, condemned the event, calling it a ploy to drum up political support for Doumbouya's anticipated presidential run. The coalition described the tournament as an attempt to "legitimize the illegal and inappropriate political ambitions" of the junta leader.

Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup, has faced increasing criticism for delaying democratic reforms and consolidating power. He has justified his rule as necessary to prevent chaos, but critics argue that his administration has failed to deliver on its promises. The Nzérékoré tragedy has further amplified concerns about his leadership and the broader state of governance in Guinea.

The disaster is the latest in a string of crises to hit the region, which has seen a wave of military coups in recent years. West Africa has witnessed at least eight coups since 2020, with Guinea joining nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in experiencing political upheaval. The instability has raised alarms about the erosion of democratic norms in a region already plagued by poverty and underdevelopment.

In the wake of the tragedy, local hospitals are struggling to treat the injured, with some victims reportedly in critical condition. Families of the deceased are demanding answers, while civil society groups are calling for an independent investigation into the incident. "This tragedy is a direct result of systemic failures that must be addressed urgently," said a spokesperson for a local advocacy group.