Conakry, December 2, 2024 (Xinhua) – Violent clashes occurred on Sunday between fans of two rival teams during a football match in N’Zerekore, southeastern Guinea, resulting in many casualties, local media reported.
The violence reportedly occurred during the final match of the “General Mamadi Doumbouya” Cup between the Nzerekore and Labé teams. Tensions escalated at the end of the match when a penalty kick was awarded to N’Zérékoré, sparking sharp protests from Labé players.
The situation worsened when security forces used tear gas canisters, causing chaos as spectators rushed towards the only exit to the stadium. Some were reported to have died as a result of tear gas inhalation, while others were injured or killed in the ensuing stampede as people tried to scale the stadium walls to escape.
On Sunday evening, Guinean Prime Minister Amadou Ory Bah expressed his condolences on social media, assuring the public that measures were being taken to restore order.
He said on the (X) social media platform, “The government is closely following the situation and reiterates its call to remain calm in order to ensure that hospitals are able to effectively provide first aid services to the injured,” indicating that the government will issue a statement as soon as all information related to the incident is collected.
