Conakry, Guinea: A tragic football match in N’Zérékoré, Guinea’s second-largest city, turned deadly on Sunday, with hospital sources reporting hundreds killed in clashes between fans.
The violence erupted after a contested referee decision, escalating into chaos that left the local hospital overwhelmed with bodies.
A doctor at the scene, speaking anonymously, described the horrifying aftermath:
“There are bodies lined up as far as the eye can see in the hospital. Others are lying on the floor in the hallways. The morgue is full.”
He estimated around 100 fatalities, while another medical source confirmed “dozens of dead.”Videos circulating on social media, though unverified, show scenes of panic, with bodies lying on the ground near the stadium.
Angry fans turn violent
Witnesses said the violence began when fans invaded the pitch following a controversial referee decision during the game. Demonstrators later vandalised and set fire to the N’Zérékoré police station, adding to the mayhem.
“It all started with a contested decision by the referee. Then fans invaded the pitch,” a witness said.
Match honored Junta leader
The match was reportedly part of a tournament organised in honor of Guinea’s military leader, Mamadi Doumbouya. Doumbouya, who came to power in a 2021 coup, has since installed himself as president.
Such tournaments have become common as Doumbouya prepares for a potential presidential run in elections expected next year. Despite promising to restore civilian rule by the end of 2024, the junta leader has hinted at his ambitions to stay in power.
Doumbouya seized power by overthrowing former President Alpha Condé and has since promoted himself through military ranks, recently elevating himself to the status of army general. His government has faced criticism for suppressing dissent, with many opposition leaders jailed or forced into exile.
Although a transitional charter barred junta members from running for office, Doumbouya’s supporters have voiced their backing for his candidacy in the next presidential elections. Authorities now say elections to restore constitutional order will occur in 2025.
Despite its abundant natural resources, Guinea remains one of the world’s poorest nations, plagued by decades of authoritarian rule. Doumbouya is among several military leaders who have seized power in West Africa since 2020, joining counterparts in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
