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Guinea Football Ground Stampede: A horrific massacre has occurred in the West African nation of Guinea. A stampede during a football match, coupled with clashes and violence, has resulted in the death of more than 100 people. This tragedy has also shed light on the ongoing political instability in the country.
The incident occurred in Nzérékoré, Guinea's second-largest city, where a football match was underway. Chaos erupted during the game as people turned violent and started fighting. The unrest led to a stampede, violent clashes, and arson in the stadium.
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Over 100 people lost their lives due to beatings and stone-pelting. Furious crowds stormed a police station, vandalized it, and set it ablaze. Police resorted to firing tear gas to control the rioters. The aftermath of the incident was devastating, leaving behind a horrifying scene of destruction and despair.
Crowd Angered by Referee's Decision:
Reports suggest that the violence began due to a controversial decision by the referee, sparking outrage among the crowd. People attacked the pitch and the referee, rushing onto the field. Videos of the chaos, showing people running frantically and fighting, have gone viral on social media. Meanwhile, Guinea's morgues are overflowing with bodies.
Hospitals are overwhelmed, with long queues of bodies outside. The shortage of medical staff has made it difficult to treat the injured. A doctor described the situation as horrific, stating that the hospital is filled with bodies, while injured individuals lie on the floor in the corridors.
Match Held in Honor of a Political Leader:
According to media reports, the football match was part of a tournament held in honor of Guinea's military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, who came to power after a coup in 2021. The tournament was part of Doumbouya's political efforts to demonstrate his influence and strengthen his position as he eyes the 2025 presidential elections.
Doumbouya overthrew the then-president Alpha Condé in September 2021 and initially promised to transfer power to a civilian government by late 2024. However, he later backtracked on this promise.
Political Instability Highlighted by the Massacre:
Under Doumbouya's leadership, Guinea has seen a crackdown on the opposition, with political leaders being detained, prosecuted, or forced into exile. His supporters are now backing him for the upcoming presidential race.
Authorities have confirmed that, despite the ongoing political turmoil, elections are still planned for 2025. Guinea, a country rich in natural resources, remains impoverished and politically unstable, having endured decades of authoritarian rule. The violence following the football match has shaken the nation and exposed the deep-seated tensions within Guinea to the global stage.