“Demonstrations of discontent” with “stone throwing” leave around fifty dead on the sidelines of a football match in Guinea

“There are around a hundred dead. Bodies are lined up as far as the eye can see in the hospital. Others are lying on the floor in the corridors. The morgue is full”explained a doctor from the regional hospital to AFP, after deadly demonstrations during a football match organized in Nzérékoré in the south-east of Guinea (West Africa) this Sunday, December 1.

For the moment, a report shows at least 56 people killed in “deadly stampedes” following protests by supporters of refereeing decisions during a football match between Nzérékoré and Labé, the government said in a press release on Monday. “Demonstrations of dissatisfaction with refereeing decisions led to stone throwing by supporters, causing fatal stampedes“, said the government in this press release published at the bottom of the national television screen. “Hospital services report a provisional death toll of 56”he adds.

According to several witnesses, the toll is much more appalling, as shown by several videos posted on social networks where we see numerous inert bodies. Other images show scenes of great confusion in the streets following the invasion of the pitch by supporters. Local journalists talk about “throwing stones” et “children” among the many victims.

Demonstrations against the power in place

“It all started with a challenge to a decision by the referee. Supporters then invaded the playing area”indicated a witness on condition of anonymity to our colleagues. According to the local press, it was a tournament dedicated to the head of the junta, General Mamadi Doumbouya, who came to power after a coup d'état in September 2021.

This is not the first time that such tournaments have occurred in recent weeks in Guinea. These events are considered as demonstrations of support for a possible candidacy of Mr. Doumbouya in the next presidential election, scheduled for 2025. Furthermore, the junta had committed to giving way to elected civilians before the end of the year 2024, under strong international pressure, a promise that it does not intend to keep, according to the latest news.

The junta seeks to silence all forms of dissent, banning demonstrations and critical media. Many opposition leaders have been arrested, indicted before judges or driven into exile. At the beginning of July, two leaders of a dissolved citizens' movement which demanded the return of civilians to power disappeared.