Dozens of people were killed on Sunday during violent clashes between fans at a football match in N’Zerekore, Guinea’s second-largest city. Hospital sources reported scenes of mass carnage, with bodies piling up in the hospital and morgue.
Mass Casualties Reported
According to hospital sources, there were approximately 100 dead, with bodies filling both the local hospital and morgue. One anonymous doctor described the situation as dire, saying, “There are bodies lined up as far as the eye can see in the hospital. Others are lying on the floor in the hallways. The morgue is full.” Another doctor confirmed that there were “dozens of dead,” though the exact number remains unclear.
Chaos On The Streets
Videos circulating on social media, which AFP was unable to immediately verify, showed chaotic scenes outside the match venue. Numerous bodies were seen lying on the ground in the streets following the violent clashes. Witnesses reported that angry demonstrators also vandalized and set fire to the N’Zerekore police station.
Clashes Triggered By Referee’s Decision
The violence reportedly began after a controversial decision by the referee. According to a witness who spoke on condition of anonymity, fans stormed the pitch in protest. “It all started with a contested decision by the referee. Then fans invaded the pitch,” the witness explained.
Football Tournament Linked To Guinea’s Military Leader
The match was part of a tournament organized in honor of Guinea’s military leader, Mamadi Doumbouya, who came to power in a 2021 coup. The event occurred as part of ongoing political efforts to strengthen Doumbouya’s power. These types of tournaments have become more frequent in Guinea as Doumbouya eyes a potential run for the presidency in the 2025 elections.
Political Context: Doumbouya’s Rule And The Prolonged Transition
Doumbouya seized power in a military coup in September 2021, overthrowing then-President Alpha Conde. Initially promising a return to civilian rule by the end of 2024, Doumbouya has since indicated that he will not honor that commitment. He has promoted himself through the military ranks, from lieutenant general to army general. His leadership has been marked by a crackdown on opposition, with many political leaders either detained, brought to trial, or forced into exile.
Uncertain Future: Doumbouya’s Presidential Ambitions
While Doumbouya’s transitional government initially stated that no junta members would stand for election, his supporters are now backing his candidacy in the upcoming presidential race. Authorities have confirmed that elections are set to be held in 2025, despite the ongoing political instability.
Guinea’s Struggles Amid Political Instability
Guinea, a country rich in natural resources, remains impoverished and politically unstable. The nation has endured decades of authoritarian rule, and the recent rise of military leaders like Doumbouya is part of a larger trend in West Africa, with other countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger also seeing military takeovers in recent years.
About N’Zerekore: The City Where Clashes Took Place
N’Zerekore, located in Guinea’s southeastern region, is home to a population of approximately 200,000 people. The city was rocked by the violence following the football match, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the country.
