The military junta in Guinea has declared three days of national mourning following a deadly stampede at a soccer stadium that claimed the lives of at least 56 people.

The tragic incident occurred during a local football tournament held in honor of Guinea's military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, in one of the country's largest cities. Provisional reports suggest that many of the victims were children, who were caught in the chaos triggered when police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.

An official from the city’s administration, who spoke anonymously, described scenes of confusion, with some parents even taking bodies before they were officially counted.

Former President Alpha Conde condemned the event’s poor organization, pointing to the dangers of negligent planning.

This disaster comes at a particularly tense time for Guinea, as the country continues to wait for promised elections following the 2021 coup that ousted Conde from power. (ILKHA)