Violence erupted Sunday during a football match in N’Zerekore, Guinea’s second-largest city, leaving dozens dead and many injured, according to hospital sources who described scenes of devastation.
“There are bodies lined up as far as the eye can see in the hospital. Others are lying on the floor in the hallways. The morgue is full,” a doctor was quoted as saying by AFP. He estimated around 100 fatalities while another hospital official confirmed “dozens of dead.”
The violence reportedly began after a controversial referee decision during a tournament match. Witnesses described fans invading the pitch which quickly escalated into chaos. Videos circulating on social media, though not yet verified, depict scenes of panic and bodies strewn across the streets near the stadium.
The unrest spilt into the broader city, with demonstrators setting fire to the N’Zerekore Police Station, according to witnesses.
The tournament was reportedly held in honour of Guinea’s junta leader, Mamadi Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup. Such events have become increasingly common as Doumbouya positions himself for a possible presidential run in elections anticipated next year.
Doumbouya, who toppled former President Alpha Condé in 2021, initially pledged to restore civilian rule by 2024 under international pressure. However, recent developments suggest he may extend his grip on power. In January, he promoted himself to lieutenant general and subsequently to army general, fueling speculation about his political ambitions despite the junta’s initial ban on its members participating in elections.
His administration has faced criticism for cracking down on dissent, with opposition figures jailed, exiled or brought to court. Backers of the military leader have increasingly voiced support for his candidacy in the forthcoming elections, further polarising the political landscape.
Guinea, despite its vast natural resources, remains one of the world’s poorest nations, plagued by decades of authoritarian rule and instability. N’Zerekore, with a population of around 200,000, has seen periodic outbreaks of violence, highlighting underlying tensions in the region.
