Over 100 people are feared dead as a massive crash broke out between fans during a football match in Guinea's N'Zerekore on December 1. Reportedly, the violent clash was a result of a contested decision by the referee.
The doctors were overwhelmed in Guinea's second-largest city as the morgues were full.
"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," a doctor told AFP news.
In addition to the violence at the stadium, witnesses reported that the protestors set the N'Zerekore police station on fire. There have been several unconfirmed videos of the violence making rounds on social media.
Political angle to violence
Reportedly, the clash is a result of political unrest in the country. The match was held in honour of Guinea's junta leader, Mamadi Doumbouya. In 2021, he came into power and declared himself president.
Such football tournaments have become common as it gives Doumbouya to strengthen his political ties ahead of the presidential elections. However, the 44-year-old has went back on his word about elections. Meanwhile, he has promoted himself to lieutenant general as well.
Guinea PM responds to violent clashes
Guinea's Prime Minister has condemned the violence that led to over 100 people losing their lives. He said that the concerned authorities are working to pacify the situation in N'Zerekore which is home to 2,00,000 people.
“The government deplores the incidents that marred the football match between the Labe and Nzerekore teams this afternoon in Nzerekore,” he said in a post.
“The government is monitoring the development of the situation and reiterates its call for calm so that hospital services are not hindered in providing first aid to the injured,” the post added.
