Dozens of people were killed in violent clashes between football fans on Sunday in N’Zerekore, Guinea’s second-largest city, hospital sources told AFP, describing horrific scenes of mass carnage.
“There are bodies lined up as far as the eye can see in the hospital. Some are lying in the hallways, and the morgue is overflowing,” said one doctor, speaking anonymously as they were not authorized to talk to the media. The doctor estimated that around 100 people had died, with many more filling the hospital and morgue. Another doctor confirmed “dozens” of fatalities.
Videos circulating on social media, which AFP has not yet been able to verify, showed chaotic scenes outside the stadium and multiple bodies lying on the ground.
Angry protesters also vandalized and set fire to the N’Zerekore police station, according to eyewitnesses.
“It all started with a disputed referee decision, after which fans stormed the pitch,” one witness told AFP, requesting anonymity for safety reasons.
Local media reported that the match was part of a tournament organized to honor Guinea’s junta leader, Mamadi Doumbouya, who came to power in a 2021 coup and has since installed himself as president. Such tournaments have become common in the country as Doumbouya eyes the upcoming presidential elections and seeks to solidify political support.
– Prolonged transition –
Doumbouya seized power in September 2021 by overthrowing President Alpha Conde, who had placed the then-colonel in charge of a special force tasked with protecting the head of state. Under international pressure, Doumbouya promised to return power to civilian rule by the end of 2024 but has since made it clear he will not.
In January, Doumbouya promoted himself to lieutenant general, and last month, he further elevated himself to army general.
Doumbouya’s regime has led to a severe crackdown on dissent, with many opposition leaders either detained, brought to court, or forced into exile.
A “transitional charter” drawn up by the junta after the coup had prohibited any junta member from running in national or local elections. However, Doumbouya’s supporters have recently begun pushing for his candidacy in the upcoming presidential election.
In late September, authorities announced that elections to restore constitutional order would be held in 2025.
Despite its rich natural resources, Guinea remains one of the poorest countries in the world and has been under authoritarian rule for decades.
Doumbouya is part of a growing group of military leaders who have seized power in West Africa since 2020, including those in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
N’Zerekore, where the clashes occurred, is located in Guinea’s southeastern region and has a population of around 200,000 people.
AFP
