Dozens killed at soccer tournament in Guinea

Dozens of people were killed, including several children, during the final of a soccer tournament called Trophée Général Mamadi Doumbouya, in the town of N’Zérékoré, Guinea, on December 1, 2024.

Arbitration protests, clashes, tear gas… It was total mayhem in the town of N’Zérékoré on December 1. It was a tragedy that plunged Guinea into mourning.

The match was taking place between the N’Zérékoré team and the Labé team, in a stadium packed to capacity, and in the presence of members of the government.

“It all started when a penalty was whistled for the home team. The visitors protested, attacking the referee, and a scuffle broke out as the pitch was invaded,” according to reports.

According to witnesses, “the police then threw tear gas. Youths responded by throwing stones. The confrontation led to a mob movement towards the only exit of the compound.”

“There are a hundred dead. Bodies are lined up as far as the eye can see in the hospital. Others are lying on the floor in the corridors. The morgue is full”, a doctor at the regional hospital said.

According to eyewitness accounts, “several people succumbed to the effects of tear gas, while others died or were injured trying to escape by scaling the walls.”

Cases of sexual violence have also been reported.

For the time being, the authorities have made no official statement on the outcome of these clashes.