In brief
The city of Nzerekore in Guinea witnessed a tragic outbreak of violence during a soccer match on Sunday, leading to an estimated death toll nearing 100. Prime Minister Bah Oury condemned the incidents and called for calm as local hospitals reported overwhelming casualties.
Dozens lost their lives on Sunday in violent clashes occurring during a soccer match in Guinea, as reported by various media outlets. The turmoil erupted during a game between the Labe and Nzerekore teams in the city of Nzerekore, the West African nation’s second-largest city.While the exact number of fatalities remains unclear, Agence France-Presse (AFP) cited local hospital sources stating that there were “dozens dead,” with one physician estimating the number of casualties could be “around 100.” Guinea's Prime Minister Bah Oury expressed his condemnation of the violence through a statement on X, emphasizing how the incidents marred the football match. “The government deplores the incidents that marred the football match between the Labe and Nzerekore teams this afternoon in Nzerekore,” Mr. Oury stated. He urged for calm, stressing that it is crucial for hospital services to operate effectively in tending to the injured, and promised more information would be released as it became available.The origin of the violence remains uncertain, but witnesses indicated that the turmoil began after a disputed refereeing decision which led to fans rushing onto the field. One doctor at the local hospital, speaking with AFP, noted that both the hospital and morgue were rapidly accommodating numerous casualties.This soccer match formed part of a tournament honoring Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, who has been the military leader of Guinea since he seized power in 2021. Nzerekore, with a population of approximately 200,000, is situated around 555 miles southeast of the capital city. The situation is evolving, and new updates are anticipated.
