Human rights groups in Guinea report that over 135 people, mostly children, were killed in a crush at a football stadium in Nzérékoré on Sunday, a figure that far surpasses the official death toll of 56. The groups, drawing from hospital records, cemeteries, eyewitness accounts, families of victims, and local media, also claim that more than 50 people remain missing.
The Guinea military government has cautioned against circulating “unverified” figures, stating that investigations into the tragedy are ongoing. Justice Minister Yaya Kaïraba Kaba has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident and warned that individuals spreading “malicious information” will face prosecution.
The tragedy followed a controversial refereeing decision during the match, which incited violence. As people tried to flee, police used tear gas, reportedly exacerbating the situation in the enclosed space. Witnesses and rights groups hold the organizers and the ruling military junta responsible, criticizing the excessive use of tear gas and the choice to host the tournament in honor of President Mamady Doumbouya.
A collective of rights groups in Nzérékoré also accused vehicles carrying officials of hitting citizens attempting to escape the chaos.
Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah declared three days of national mourning for the victims. Government spokesman Ousmane Gaoual defended the provisional death toll and urged the public to respect the mourning period, stating, “The government announces provisional figures, and someone comes up with other figures—where is the contradiction? We didn’t say these are final figures.”
The stadium was reportedly “packed to the rafters,” according to local journalist Paul Sakouvogi, with a single, narrow exit where the crush occurred. Guinea, along with several other African countries, is currently banned from hosting international football matches due to failing to meet safety standards set by the Confederation of African Football (Caf).
As investigations continue, the tragedy has sparked outrage and grief, with calls for accountability and improved safety measures for public events.
