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the death toll from the deadly Nzérékoré stampede rises to 150, according to NGOs

Ten days after the deadly stampede during a football match organized in tribute to President Mamadi Doumbouya, the government maintains its provisional toll of 56 victims. A number that has not changed for more than a week, while for their part human rights NGOs based in the region have increased their own toll, which now stands at more than 150 dead. The government announced the opening of an investigation, in addition to the commission of inquiry announced by the presidency.

Ten days after the tragedy of the final of the Refoundation tournament, the Collective of NGOs for the defense of human rights of Nzérékoré is in the process of identifying the victims family by family and adds 15 deaths to its count, mainly students and apprentices. aged under 18. While awaiting the results of the government’s investigations, NGOs deplore the absence of sanctions against the organizers of the tournament, although they are known to all.

On the political side, Souleymane Souza Konaté, the communications officer of the ANAD coalition, calls for an independent investigation: “In the context of the kidnapping of Foniké Menguè and Mamadou Billo Bah, commissions of inquiry were opened, but we know that that is absolutely not going to achieve anything. The organizers are identified. The officials went to Nzérékoré to hold meetings. They must bear full responsibility. »

However, legal hearings are underway, defends government spokesperson Ousmane Gaoual Diallo, who considers it premature to index anyone. “You can call for a demonstration, but if there is a tragedy during the demonstration, that does not mean that you are responsible,” says Ousmane Gaoual Diallo. Especially in a country that has a culture of mobilization often ending with victims, everyone would be behind bars. You have to be careful about this kind of talk. When there is an investigation, we respect it, we wait for its conclusions and then we will be able to comment freely on the conclusion. »

Despite the Minister of Justice’s assurance of transparency, there has been no communication on the investigation, and reports on the Nzérékoré tragedy have completely disappeared from the television news since December 5, 2024.

Neither the Minister of Justice nor the Minister of Sports who was present during the tournament could be reached by RFI.

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