Football match organised by military junta turns into tragedy, 56 dead in African country

Information Minister Fana Soumah said in a statement that investigations are continuing to reveal the cause of mob printing at a stadium in the southern town of Nzerekre.

Videos distributed on social networks showed fans trying to get out of the crowded stadium. A video found by CNN He showed fans climbing a wall while trying to escape from the stadium in Nzerecrea, southeast Guinea.

The government condemns incidents that marred the football match between Labé and Nzerekree teams this afternoon in Nzerekre,” said Prime Minister Bah Turry in a previous statement.

The government is monitoring the development of the situation and repeating the call for calm so hospital services are not hindered in providing first aid to the injured,” said Hory, while city authorities were ordered to restore “social safety”.

Olive's statement did not provide a description of what happened inside the stadium, but he said a more detailed report would follow.

Mediaguinee reported that clashes between fans and security forces began due to several judges' decisions, followed by a massive crackdown as crowds tried to leave the stadium. CNN couldn't verify these reports.

Local media Avenue reported that the match was part of a tour organised by Guinea's ruling military junta to support Mamady Doumbouya's candidacy.

Doumbouya, who took power in a coup in 2021 and installed himself as president, is aiming at a possible presidential candidacy in the expected elections to be held in 2025.

Doumbouya is one of several figures that have taken power in this unstable region since 2020. Western and Central Africa have experienced at least eight successful coups since 2020, while political unrest has raised concerns about a slide towards military rule in a region rich in natural but economically poor.