Guinea's government said on Monday that 56 people were killed and several others injured in crowds caused by clashes between fans at a soccer stadium in southern Guinea.
Communications Minister Fana Souma said in a statement read on state television that authorities were investigating to identify those responsible for Sunday's stampede.
According to local media and political coalitions, several children were among the victims.
Guinea's Prime Minister Amadou Ouli Ba said the incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at the stadium in the city of Nzerekore during the final of a regional tournament between Labbe and Nzerekore in honor of Guinean military leader Mamadi Doumbouya.・Prime Minister Ba said this on the X Platform.
Barr did not provide further details, but said “casualties were recorded during the stampede.” Local authorities are working to restore calm in the area, he added.
Local media reported that security forces attempted to use tear gas (two words) to restore calm after the chaos that followed the dispute over punishment.
“This (the disputed penalty) infuriated the supporters, who threw stones. This is how the security forces used tear gas,” local news website Media Guinea reported.
Several of the dead were children, and some of the injured were said to be in critical condition being treated at area hospitals.
Video believed to be from the scene showed fans in one corner of the stadium screaming and protesting the officials before people rushed onto the field and clashes broke out.
People were running to escape the stadium, many of them jumping over the high fence.
Video showed many people lying on the floor in what appeared to be a hospital, with a crowd gathering nearby and some helping the injured.
The Alliance for National Change and the Coalition of Democratic Oppositions called for an investigation.
It said the rally was organized to rally support for military leaders' “illegal and inappropriate” political ambitions.
Guinea has been led by the military since soldiers ousted President Alpha Conde in 2021.
It is one of a growing number of West African countries, such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where the military has taken control and the return to civilian rule has been delayed.
Doumbouya, who was ousted as president three years ago, said he was keeping the country from descending into chaos and accused the previous government of breaking its promises.
However, he has been criticized for failing to live up to the expectations he set for himself.
