Guinea: Three Days of National Mourning Declared After Tragedy During a Football Match

A Drama at the N’Zérékoré Stadium

Guinea declared three days of national mourning on Monday after a tragic mob action killed at least 56 fans at a football match. The tournament, held in honor of junta leader General Mamadi Doumbouya , ended in chaos.

Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah , dispatched to the scene, announced that:

“Starting Tuesday, three days of national mourning will be declared, and the flag will be flown at half-mast to mark national solidarity.”

The Events That Led to the Tragedy

The incidents took place in a dilapidated stadium in N’Zérékoré , a city in southeastern Guinea, about 900 km from Conakry . Tensions rose following controversial refereeing decisions, including the expulsion of one or two players and a penalty in favour of the opposing team, according to witnesses.

Angry fans stormed the pitch, preventing officials, including two ministers , from leaving. In response, security forces used tear gas, triggering widespread panic .

“The ensuing stampede resulted in people being trampled and injured as spectators tried to flee,” said a witness who spoke on condition of anonymity.

An Overcrowded and Poorly Equipped Stadium

Videos circulating on social media show a dense crowd gathered at the stadium. Local officials described the situation:

“The thousands of people present were seized with panic and rushed in all directions in a general sauve-qui-peut.”

The government said in a statement that tensions over the arbitration decisions had led to stone throwing and deadly stampedes .

Political Accusations

The opposition accuses the junta of being directly responsible for this tragedy, calling into question the insufficient organisation and security of the event, dedicated to General Mamadi Doumbouya .

Conclusion: A Tragedy That Calls for Reflection

The tragedy highlights the security gaps at public events in Guinea. As the country mourns, there are calls for a thorough investigation to establish accountability and prevent such tragedies from happening again.