Tragedy at N’zérékoré Football Match: Dozens Killed Amid Fan Violence

Dozens have reportedly died in a stampede at a football match in N’zérékoré, Guinea, incited by fan clashes and police intervention. Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah has called for calm, while local hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties. Historical context suggests a pattern of violence in Guinea’s stadiums, reminiscent of a past massacre in 2009.

Tragedy struck during a football match in N’zérékoré, Guinea, when a stampede occurred amidst escalating tensions between rival fans. The clash resulted in the deaths of numerous individuals, prompting Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah to request calm among the populace. A medical professional, wishing to remain anonymous, reported multiple bodies placed in the local hospital due to overwhelming numbers taxing the morgue’s capacity. As tensions escalated, police employed tear gas as they attempted to control the situation after fans of the visiting team, Labé, expressed outrage over a referee’s controversial decision.

The incident occurred during a football tournament honoring President Mamadi Doumbouya, who seized power via a coup in September 2021. This event marks a grave chapter in Guinea’s sporting history, echoing past tragedies, including a 2009 massacre in a stadium that resulted in 156 fatalities during a violent crackdown on protesters. The need for safety at sports events remains critical as regional authorities strive to manage the aftermath of this recent calamity.

The tragic events in N’zérékoré highlight the pressing need for improved crowd control and safety measures at public events in Guinea. As the country reflects on this latest calamity, it must also confront the echoes of its past, where similar incidents have led to significant loss of life. Ensuring the safety of spectators and fostering an environment of peace at sporting events should be a paramount priority moving forward.

Original Source: www.bbc.com