Football fan clashes cause casualties in southeastern Guinea

CONAKRY - Serious clashes occurred Sunday between rival supporters during a football match in N'Zerekore, southeastern Guinea, resulting in many casualties, local media reported.

The violence happened during the final of the "General Mamadi Doumbouya" trophy match between N'Zerekore and Labe. Tensions escalated at the end of the game when a penalty was given to N'Zerekore, leading to vehement protests from Labe players, said the reports.

The situation worsened when security forces used tear gas, triggering chaos as spectators rushed toward the stadium's only exit. Some reportedly died from the tear gas, while others were injured or killed in the ensuing stampede as people tried to climb the stadium walls.

Guinean Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah on Sunday evening extended his condolences via social media, assuring the public that measures are being taken to restore order.

"The government is closely monitoring the situation and reiterates its call for calm to ensure hospital services can effectively provide first aid to the injured," he said on X, adding that the government would release a statement once all relevant information regarding the incidents is gathered.