Guinean Prime Minister Oury Bah has stated that there will be three days of national mourning, starting today, following the deaths of at least 56 people at a football match in Nzérékoré.
Bah added that national flags would be held at half mast to honour the dead, of which the final count is disputed by many in the country who believe the true number to be closer to 100.
Fans at the Stade du 3 Avril were attending the match which was part of a tournament organised in honour of the country’s President Mamady Doumbouya.
Doumbouya took power through a coup d’état in 2021 that overthrew previous President Alpha Condé.
The former president expressed “profound sadness and boundless outrage” in a social media post.
“In a context where the country is already marked by tensions and restrictions, this tragedy highlights the dangers of irresponsible organisation and a lack of adequate preparation,” he said.
The tournament had been criticised by opposition groups as an attempt to legitimise Doumbouya’s leadership and candidacy in upcoming elections.
Between 20,000 and 30,000 spectators were in attendance which is said to be much larger than the stadium’s capacity, as reported by RFI.
The crush stemmed from a decision by the referee to send off two players from the visiting team Labé and a controversial penalty.
Local media said that police had used tear gas after away fans threw stones towards the referee.
Bah has said that an inquiry is being launched to find those responsible while also offering his condolences.
Guinea is one of several countries – including Ethiopia, Gambia, Chad, Sierra Leone – that is currently banned from holding international football matches because the Confederation of African Football says its venues do not meet international standards.
Renovation work began on the Nzérékoré stadium in 2008 but was later halted in part due to political instability.
It is reported to have a half-finished roof, unfinished stands, and unbuilt bathrooms and ticket offices.
