Death rate from violence, stampede at Guinea football stadium reaches 135

(MENAFN) Violence and a stampede at a football stadium in Nzerekore, southeastern Guinea, during a local tournament final left at least 135 people dead and 50 missing, according to human rights NGOs. The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, and the death toll provided by two regional NGOs, Mêmes Droit pour Tous and the Guinean Organization for the Defense of Human Rights, far exceeds the official figure of 56 announced by the government on Monday. These NGOs based their revised toll on information from local hospitals, eyewitness accounts, and reports from community leaders and media.

The deadly event took place in Nzerekore, Guinea's second-largest city, located 570 kilometers from the capital Conakry. The NGOs claim that most of the victims were children under 18 years old. In addition to the deaths, many others were injured, and more than 50 people remain missing.

Prime Minister Amadou Bah Oury stated that an investigation would be launched to determine responsibility for the incident. He attributed the violence to fan dissatisfaction with the refereeing decisions, which led to stones being thrown, triggering the deadly stampede. The NGOs have called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for organizing the tournament.

This tournament, which culminated in the fatal match, was sponsored by Guinea’s President, Gen. Mamady Doumbouya.

MENAFN04122024000045015839ID1108955391