A stampede during a local football tournament in southern Guinea on Sunday resulted in the deaths of at least 56 people, including children, as security forces struggled to control the unrest at an overcrowded stadium.

The incident occurred during the final match between Labe and Nzerekore, part of an event honoring Guinea's military leader, Mamadi Doumbouya. The chaos reportedly began after a controversial penalty decision sparked protests among fans.

Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah acknowledged the tragedy on social media, confirming casualties without specifying numbers and adding that efforts are underway to restore order in the region.

Local media reported that fans reacted angrily to the disputed penalty, throwing stones and prompting security forces to use tear gas to quell the unrest. Videos from the scene showed fans storming the field and others attempting to escape by scaling the stadium’s high fences.

The National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy, a coalition of political parties, confirmed numerous deaths and injuries. Local outlet Media Guinea reported that many of those killed were children, while some critically injured victims are being treated at a regional hospital.

The coalition has demanded an investigation, criticizing the tournament as a political tool to boost support for the military leader. “This tragic event reflects the reckless use of public gatherings to serve the military’s illegal and inappropriate ambitions,” the alliance said in a statement.

Guinea has been under military rule since Mamadi Doumbouya led a coup against President Alpha Conde in 2021. Doumbouya justified the coup as necessary to prevent chaos, but critics argue that his administration has failed to deliver on promises of stability and reform.

The tragedy in N'Zerekore underscores growing tensions in Guinea, which joins Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in experiencing military takeovers and delays in transitions to civilian governance.

Authorities are expected to launch an inquiry into the stampede as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the tragic event. (ILKHA)