Human rights groups in Guinea are disputing the official death toll of 56 from a fatal stadium crush that occurred in the country’s second-largest city, Nzérékoré, claiming that over 135 football fans were killed, with most of the victims being children.
The groups, citing information gathered from hospitals, cemeteries, families, and local media, also state that more than 50 people are still missing.
The tragic incident on Sunday followed violence that erupted after a controversial refereeing decision, which led police to fire tear gas as people attempted to flee the stadium. Local reports suggest the stadium was heavily overcrowded with thousands of people and had only one small exit, where the deadly crush occurred.
Furthermore, the rights groups allege that official vehicles leaving the stadium also struck citizens attempting to escape.
The collective of rights groups has blamed the deaths on the game’s organizers and the ruling military junta, which organized the tournament in honor of President Mamady Doumbouya, citing the excessive use of tear gas in an enclosed space.
The military government, however, has warned the public against disseminating “unverified” information as its investigation is ongoing. Justice Minister Yaya Kaïraba Kaba has instructed a judicial inquiry against the alleged perpetrators and warned that anyone spreading “malicious information” would be prosecuted. Prime Minister Mamadou Oury Bah has since announced three days of national mourning for the victims.
