At least 56 people lost their lives, and several others were injured in stampedes triggered by clashes during a football match in Nzérékoré, the second-largest city in Guinea-Conakry, according to a preliminary government report released on Monday.

A Final That Ended in Disaster

The tragedy occurred on Sunday during the final of a competition between the teams of Nzérékoré and Labé. According to the transitional government’s statement, read on public broadcaster RTG, "protests against a referee’s decision led fans to throw stones, triggering fatal stampedes."

Transitional president General Mamadi Doumbouya confirmed the events in another statement, offering condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured, who are being treated by Nzérékoré’s medical services.

Doumbouya stated that immediate measures have been taken since Sunday. "An emergency mission led by the prime minister has been sent to assess the consequences of this tragic event," he said. Additionally, he announced the creation of an investigative commission to "determine the causes of this tragedy and assign responsibilities."

Violence in the Stadium

According to local media reports, the police used tear gas after fans of the visiting team, Labé, began throwing stones onto the field, angry at refereeing decisions, and subsequently stormed the pitch.

Thousands of spectators were present at the 3rd of April Stadium in Nzérékoré, located in southeastern Guinea-Conakry, when the clashes broke out. According to the news outlet MediaGuinée, the match was part of a tournament organized in honor of Doumbouya, who took power in a coup d'état in September 2021. 

Finally, Doumbouya called for calm and serenity "to better manage this catastrophe."