Deadly Games

At least 56 people died in a stampede at a soccer stadium in Guinea’s second-most populous city over the weekend, an incident that sparked calls for an official investigation and criticism of the ruling military junta, CBS News reported.

On Monday, authorities said clashes erupted the day before between soccer fans during a local tournament in the southern city of Nzérékoré following a disputed penalty. Local media reported that security forces tried to restore calm by using tear gas, with footage showing fans skirmishing as others tried to flee.

Government officials announced a probe to find those responsible, with Prime Minister Oury Bah promising full medical and psychological support to all those injured.

The stampede took place as Guinea was holding a tournament in honor of junta leader, President Mamadi Doumbouya, who seized power in a military coup in 2021.

An opposition political coalition known as the National Alliance for Change and Democracy called for an investigation into the incident and accused authorities of having “significant responsibility for these grave events,” according to the BBC.

The opposition also condemned the tournament as an attempt to boost support for the “illegal and inappropriate” political ambitions of the country’s military leader.

Doumbouya came to power after overthrowing President Alpha Condé three years ago, saying the West African country was at risk of slipping into chaos.

In recent years, a growing number of West African countries, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have had military coups, with promises of returning to civilian rule impeded by the military rulers.