Clashes in a stadium in Guinea have caused at least 56 deaths

In Guinea, a crowd movement which then led to clashes during a football match dedicated to the head of the military junta in power, caused the death of at least 56 fans. The budget, still provisional, was released by the government, while the opposition accuses the executive of being “directly responsible” for the tragedy. Meanwhile, a new version of the events that occurred in Nzérékoré is circulating, initially presented as clashes between fans: they were triggered by the expulsion of a player at the end of the match between the local club and that of Labé in the final of a tournament organized in honor of the head of the junta, General Mamadi Doumbouya, the witnesses indicated.

According to them, some attacked the official grandstand, provoking the intervention of the security forces. “Hospital services report a provisional toll of 56 dead and several injured“, adds a government statement, read on national television, speaking of “a tragic event”. The authorities ensure the care of the injured “guarantee” and “are committed to supporting the grieving families”, as well as promising to carry out investigations to to ascertain the responsibilities linked “to this unfortunate event”. Some young people set fire to a police station during the night, public television also reported.”The government is following the evolution of the situation and reiterates its appeal for calm“, concludes the official statement.

The tournament at the center of the violence was dedicated to the head of the junta, who forcibly overthrew civilian president Alpha Condé in September 2021, and has since been installed as president. For several weeks, football competitions, the number one sport in Guinea, and other popular or public gatherings have been organized in what is considered by many to be a competition, but is in reality a campaign to promote the candidacy of General Doumbouya in future presidential elections . The National Front for the Defense of the Constitution (FNDC), one of the last dissident voices still able to make itself heard in Guinea, expressed its “indignation” after the Nzérékoré tragedy in a press release. The FNDC speaks of a “propaganda campaign”, therefore “holds Mamadi Doumbouya and his government directly responsible for this disaster which cost the lives of innocent citizens, including many children”.

“This demonstrates a cynical exploitation of sport by the junta, which exploits these images of mobilization for political purposes,” adds the FNDC. Invite the Guineans”to mobilize, calmly, with determination“, to demand the end of this regime starting from 31 December 2024. The junta had initially committed, under international pressure, to give way to elected civilians by the end of 2024. Since then it has made it known that it would not be able to keep his commitment and several Doumbouya supporters have recently said they are in favor of his presidential candidacy.