By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
CONAKTY (Worthy News) – Scores of people were killed and several injured in a stampede at a soccer stadium in southern Guinea following clashes between fans sparked by anger over the referee’s decision, the government confirmed Monday.
At least 56 people, including children, reportedly died in the bloodshed during the final of a soccer tournament in honor of Guinea’s military leader Mamady Doumbouya at a stadium in Nzerekore, one of the West African nation’s largest cities.
Communications Minister Fana Soumah said on national television that authorities are investigating who was responsible for Sunday’s stampede.
“Protests of dissatisfaction with refereeing decisions led to stone-throwing by supporters, resulting in fatal stampedes” at Sunday’s match, the government added. “Hospital services have put the provisional death toll at 56.”
Witnesses said rival fans stormed the field following the controversial referee decision. Footage reviewed by Worthy News showed people running in panic while a man was seen carrying a chair.
Health officials spoke about dozens of dead bodies piling up. “There are bodies lined up as far as the eye can see in the hospital,” a doctor said. “Others are lying on the floor in the hallways. The morgue is full.”
Paul Sakouvogi, a local journalist in the area, said authorities restricted internet access while police guarded the hospital. “I observe six police positions in front of three hospital entrances.”
MEDICAL TREATMENT
He suggested that it was difficult for survivors to learn about their loved ones receiving medical treatment. “They only allow medical staff to access the hospital, while others are told to go home,” the reporter said.
The tragedy added to social and political upheaval in Guinea, with the National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy opposition coalition saying the tournament to increase support for the “illegal and inappropriate” political ambitions of Doumbouya.
The military has led Guinea since soldiers ousted President Alpha Conde in 2021.
It is one of a growing number of West African countries, including Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, where the military has taken power and delayed a return to civilian rule.
Doumbouya, who ousted the president three years ago, claims he is preventing the country from slipping into chaos and condemns the previous government for “broken promises.”
He has been criticized for not fulfilling his pledges in this mainly Muslim nation of nearly 14 million people, where Christians comprise roughly 13 percent of the population.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
More Worthy News
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met Tuesday in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, underscoring deep skepticism in Israel and Washington over the prospects for a deal with Iran, even as diplomatic efforts continue ahead of planned talks later this week.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed legislation ending a four-day partial government shutdown after the House narrowly approved a sweeping funding package earlier in the day.
U.S. lawmakers face a rocky path forward as they begin negotiations over the last remaining appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026.
A prominent Pakistani Christian human rights advocate has warned that an increasing number of underage girls are being forced to wear the veil or burqa, calling the practice a form of “child radicalization” and ideological coercion.
Norway’s royal family faced renewed turmoil Tuesday after the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit was detained by police on suspicion of assault just days before his trial in Oslo on 38 charges, including the rape of four women, while the crown princess herself faces questions over past contact with late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Netherlands’ incoming coalition government has unveiled a sweeping policy blueprint that includes a so-called “freedom contribution,” requiring households and businesses to pay more in taxes to help finance sharply higher defense spending, while other social programs face cuts.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has laid out his most explicit vision yet for transforming China’s currency into a global reserve, calling for the renminbi to become widely used in international trade, investment, and foreign-exchange markets—and ultimately held by central banks.