A deadly stampede at a soccer match in southeastern Guinea left 56 dead, including children, following a controversial refereeing decision that incited violence and chaos among fans during the tournament final on December 1, 2024.

The tragic incident not only underscores the immediate dangers posed by poorly managed public events but also highlights ongoing tensions in Guinea, where discontent over the military government’s failure to restore civilian rule has been rising. As authorities investigate the circumstances leading to the stampede, local opposition groups are calling for accountability, pointing to inadequate event organization and excessive police response amid public frustration over electoral delays.

The stampede occurred at a stadium in Nzerekore during the final match between the Labe and Nzerekore teams. Witnesses reported that the chaos erupted following a disputed penalty decision, which sparked outrage among the fans. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of panic, with many fleeing the stands and trampled in the rush to escape. One witness recounted that victims, including girls and children, were caught underfoot as people scrambled for safety.

In response to the escalating commotion, security forces deployed tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowd. However, this action compounded the panic, leading many fans to attempt to exit the stadium by any means necessary, including jumping over a high fence. Videos circulating on social media show the moments just before the clashes, where fans were seen protesting fervently against the referee's decision.

The opposition group National Alliance for Change and Democracy has publicly condemned the incident, attributing blame to government authorities for the poor management of the event. The group criticized the organization surrounding the tournament final, calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the fatalities.

The military has held power in Guinea since a coup in 2021, with ongoing delays in restoring civilian governance leading to widespread public frustration. Many citizens have voiced concerns about the military’s ability to manage civilian events safely and are questioning their continued authority as grievances over electoral processes mount.

Human Rights Watch has expressed alarm over the excessive use of force by security personnel during the incident. Reports indicate a pattern of heavy-handed tactics employed by the authorities, raising questions about their commitment to public safety and civil liberties.

As investigations continue, the public is demanding accountability from both the event organizers and law enforcement for their roles in the tragedy. These calls have gained momentum against the backdrop of wider societal discontent with the military regime, which has struggled to implement reforms or fulfill its promises of returning the country to democratic governance.

The December 1 incident marks one of the deadliest instances of violence linked to sports events in Guinea, mirroring global concerns about crowd safety and the organization of large public gatherings. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the significant responsibilities event planners and authorities bear in ensuring the safety of attendees.

With the loss of life impacting families and communities, many are left questioning both the governance of the military authorities and the structural issues that allowed such a neglect of duty at a significant public event. The ongoing investigation aims to shed light on the specific lapses that contributed to the deadly stampede and to determine who should be held accountable for the tragic outcomes of that day.