At least 100 people lost their lives on Sunday in a violent clash between rival football fans in N’Zerekore, Guinea’s second-largest city. The chaos erupted during a local match, reportedly triggered by a controversial referee decision.
Hospital staff described the aftermath as horrific, with bodies filling both the morgue and hospital hallways. A doctor, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the facility had exceeded capacity. “There are around 100 dead,” the doctor said, underscoring the severity of the violence.
Eyewitnesses reported that tensions escalated when fans stormed the pitch following the disputed decision. The unrest extended beyond the stadium, with angry protesters vandalizing and setting fire to the local police station.
The match was part of a tournament organized in honor of Guinea’s junta leader, Mamadi Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup. These tournaments have become common as Doumbouya hints at running in the upcoming presidential elections, despite a transitional charter barring junta members from participating in national or local elections.
Doumbouya, who promoted himself to army general in November 2024, has faced criticism for his authoritarian rule. He initially promised to return Guinea to civilian governance by the end of 2024 but later postponed elections to 2025.
Guinea, despite its rich natural resources, remains one of the world’s poorest nations. It has a long history of political instability, with Doumbouya joining a wave of military leaders who have taken power in West Africa since 2020.
The violent incident has drawn attention to Guinea’s deep-seated issues of political and social unrest. Observers are calling for a thorough investigation into the tragedy, as the nation grapples with the devastating loss of over 100 lives in what was supposed to be a unifying sporting event.
This tragic clash underscores the need for meaningful reforms in Guinea to ensure peace, stability, and a safe environment for its citizens.
