Guinea Stadium Stampede: Rights Groups Challenge Official Death Toll Amid Government Warnings
Human rights groups in Guinea are disputing the official death toll from a devastating stadium stampede, claiming the real figure is far higher than reported by the military-led government. The incident, which occurred during a football match in Nzerekore on Sunday, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
Conflicting Death Toll Reports
While the government has officially confirmed 56 fatalities, the Collective of Human Rights Organizations of the Nzerekore region asserts that 135 people, predominantly children under 18, lost their lives. The group’s estimates are based on reports from hospitals, cemeteries, witnesses, families of victims, and local media. Additionally, over 50 individuals remain missing.
Separate statements from other organizations have presented even higher figures. The High Council of the Diaspora claimed that the stampede resulted in 300 deaths and hundreds of injuries. Meanwhile, the opposition alliance, the Living Forces of Guinea (FVG), estimated approximately 100 fatalities.
The Tragic Sequence of Events
The tragedy unfolded during the final match of a football tournament held in honor of Guinea’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, who came to power in a 2021 coup. A controversial refereeing decision reportedly triggered crowd violence, prompting police to deploy tear gas. This led to chaos as spectators scrambled to escape the overcrowded stadium, only to find exit gates blocked by security forces.
Rights groups have accused security forces of excessive use of tear gas and prioritizing the evacuation of officials over ensuring the safety of the crowd. Vehicles carrying dignitaries reportedly struck fleeing spectators, further exacerbating the deadly situation.
Government Response and Warnings
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Guinea’s government has warned against the dissemination of “unverified or malicious information” about the incident. Justice Minister Yaya Kairaba Kaba issued a stern statement on social media, threatening legal action against anyone spreading content that could disrupt public order.
President Doumbouya has announced plans to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate the cause of the stampede and hold those responsible accountable. However, critics remain skeptical about whether the investigation will lead to meaningful action or address longstanding issues of crowd management and safety.
A Call for Justice
The stadium stampede has cast a harsh spotlight on Guinea’s fragile security infrastructure and governance under military rule. As the death toll remains contested, the international community and local advocacy groups are urging transparency and justice for the victims of this preventable tragedy.
Source : Swifteradio.com
