A tragic stampede during a football match in N’Zerekore, Guinea, left 56 dead, according to the junta-controlled government. The mayhem was ignited by fan protests against refereeing decisions. Prime Minister Bah condemned the violence and called for calm while hospital services manage the aftermath. This event occurred during a tournament honoring junta leader Mamady Doumbouya, reflecting the tense political climate in Guinea.
In N’Zerekore, Guinea’s second-largest city, a tragic incident during a football match resulted in the death of 56 individuals, as reported by the junta-controlled government. The chaos erupted after fans expressed their dissatisfaction with refereeing decisions, leading to stone-throwing and subsequent stampedes during the match held on Sunday. Hospital authorities have confirmed the provisional death toll as stated by the government, which conveyed the information via a national television news ticker.
Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah publicly condemned the violence that disrupted the match between Labe and N’Zerekore. He urged for calm, emphasizing the importance of facilitating hospital services for those injured in the stampede. This unfortunate event transpired during a tournament honoring Guinea’s junta leader, Mamady Doumbouya, who came to power through a coup in 2021 and has positioned himself as the country’s president.
Such tournaments are becoming increasingly prevalent in Guinea as Doumbouya prepares for potential presidential elections slated for next year, amidst evolving political alliances.
The incident at the football match in N’Zerekore illuminates ongoing tensions in Guinea, where political unrest has been a meaningful aspect of the national landscape since the military coup in 2021. The tournament purportedly held in honor of coup leader Mamady Doumbouya reflects the government’s attempt to engage with the populace through sports while also navigating a politically charged environment. Such events may catalyze public sentiment, which can escalate into violence as seen in this tragic occurrence, marking a concerning trend within the nation. The surge in violence tied to sporting events poses significant challenges for both public safety and the government’s image, further complicating Doumbouya’s ambitions in the political arena.
The fatal stampedes during the football match in N’Zerekore, resulting in 56 deaths, expose the underlying tensions present within Guinea’s socio-political context. While the government seeks to promote unity through such gatherings, the incidents illustrate the precarious balance between public sentiment and organized events. It is imperative for the authorities to address the root causes of public discontent and enhance crowd management strategies during future happenings to avert similar tragedies. The call for calm from Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah is crucial in addressing both the immediate needs of the injured and the broader societal issues at play.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
