Over 100 people were killed on Sunday after a clash erupted between fans at a football match in N’Zerekore, Guinea’s second-largest city. “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,” one doctor told AFP news. The doctor reported “there are around 100 dead”, with casualties overwhelming the local facilities. A second medical professional confirmed “dozens of dead”.AFP could not immediately authenticate social media footage showing chaotic street scenes outside the match venue and numerous casualties on the ground.Witnesses reported that protestors damaged and ignited the N’Zerekore police station.
A witness, speaking anonymously for security concerns, told AFP, “It all started with a contested decision by the referee. Then fans invaded the pitch.”The match was reportedly part of a tournament honouring Guinea’s junta leader, Mamadi Doumbouya, who assumed power through a 2021 coup and declared himself president.
Such tournaments have become frequent in Guinea as Doumbouya considers participating in upcoming presidential elections, whilst political alignments develop. Doumbouya forcefully took control in September 2021, deposing President Alpha Conde, who had previously appointed the then-colonel to protect against such takeovers.
Following international demands, he committed to civilian power transfer by 2024’s end, though he has since reversed this stance.In January, he “exceptionally” promoted himself to lieutenant general, followed by a self-elevation to army general the following month.
Under his leadership, opposition faces significant suppression, with many leaders imprisoned, prosecuted, or exiled.The junta’s post-coup “transitional charter” prohibited its members from participating in national or local elections.However, Doumbouya’s supporters now advocate for his presidential candidacy.Officials recently announced that constitutional order restoration elections would occur in 2025.
Despite abundant natural resources, Guinea remains economically disadvantaged. The nation has experienced decades of authoritarian governance.Doumbouya joins other military leaders who have seized control in West Africa since 2020, including those in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.N’Zerekore, the southeastern city where the violence occurred, houses approximately 200,000 residents.
Source: TimesOfIndia
