Over 135 Lives Lost in Guinea Football Stadium Tragedy

In a tragic event at the Nzerekore stadium, Guinea, human rights groups have reported that over 135 fans, predominantly children, lost their lives during a chaotic incident linked to a football match. The alarming figures contrast sharply with the government’s official death toll of 56, prompting a call for justice and a national mourning period.

Human rights groups in Guinea have reported that a catastrophic crush at the Nzerekore stadium on Sunday claimed the lives of more than 135 football fans, with a significant number of those being children. This unverified estimate substantially outstrips the official count of 56 deaths reported by authorities. Sources for these figures include local hospitals, cemeteries, eyewitness accounts, and community resources, all painting a grim picture of the event's toll. Furthermore, over 50 individuals remain unaccounted for following the incident.

In response to the growing discrepancies, the military government has cautioned against the dissemination of "unverified" figures, pledging to conduct ongoing investigations into the tragedy that unfolded during a contentious match. Justice Minister Yaya Kaïraba Kaba has announced the commencement of a judicial inquiry targeting those allegedly responsible for the catastrophic event. He also warned that anyone spreading "unverified or malicious information" could face arrest and prosecution.

The disaster reportedly stemmed from a controversial refereeing decision that incited violence among fans, leading to police deploying tear gas as individuals attempted to flee the chaos. Rights advocates have condemned the venue's organizers as well as Guinea's ruling military junta for their roles leading up to the disaster, asserting that excessive tear gas was used in a confined space, further escalating the situation. Witness accounts relay that stadium exits were severely inadequate, amplifying the danger as people attempted to escape.

Amid this distressing atmosphere, Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah has declared three days of national mourning for the victims. Government spokesman Ousmane Gaoual acknowledged the nation’s sorrow and addressed the conflicting figures, stating that provisional numbers do not negate the government's responsibility to communicate accurate information.

A local journalist from Nzérékoré described the stadium as being filled beyond capacity before the tragedy, noting that its single small exit became the site of the deadly crush. Guinea faces international bans on hosting football matches due to failure to meet global safety standards, alongside a group of other African nations. The call now turns to both mourning and accountability as the nation grapples with the aftermath of this harrowing situation.