Over 100 Dead in Violent Clashes During Football Match in Guinea’s N'Zerekore

A football match in N'Zerekore, Guinea's second-largest city, turned into a scene of mass carnage on Sunday, resulting in over 100 fatalities, according to hospital sources. The incident unfolded after a disputed referee decision escalated into violence among fans.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with fans invading the pitch, leading to widespread clashes. Social media videos, though not immediately verified, showed bodies lying in the streets outside the stadium. Hospital sources reported their facilities overwhelmed, with bodies filling hallways and the morgue completely full.

“It’s a horrific sight. Bodies are lined up everywhere,” a doctor said anonymously, citing restrictions on speaking to the media.

Police Station Targeted Amid Unrest

The violence spilled beyond the stadium as enraged demonstrators vandalized and set fire to the local police station in N'Zerekore, witnesses said.

Match Linked to Guinea’s Junta Leader

The football match was part of a tournament reportedly organized in honor of Mamadi Doumbouya, Guinea’s junta leader who came to power in a 2021 coup. These tournaments have become a political strategy for Doumbouya, as he positions himself for a possible run in Guinea’s upcoming presidential elections, despite international calls for a democratic transition.

Doumbouya, who declared himself an army general earlier this year, has faced criticism for prolonging Guinea's military-led transition. His administration has been accused of suppressing dissent, with opposition leaders detained or exiled.

Transition and Governance in Question

The junta initially committed to restoring civilian rule by the end of 2024, but authorities recently suggested elections might not occur until 2025. Doumbouya’s backers have voiced support for his candidacy, raising questions about the junta's adherence to its own transitional charter, which bars junta members from running for office.

N'Zerekore and Broader Context

Located in southeastern Guinea, N'Zerekore is home to approximately 200,000 residents and has experienced unrest in the past. Despite its wealth in natural resources, Guinea remains one of the world’s poorest nations, plagued by authoritarian rule and political instability.

The tragedy in N'Zerekore underscores the fragile social fabric of the nation, as political and social tensions continue to escalate under military rule.