2024-12-02 00:09:00
Dozens of people were killed on Sunday 1 December in clashes between fans during a football match in N’Zérékoré, south-eastern Guinea, medical sources told Agence France-Presse (AFP). The prime minister confirmed this “victims are registered”. According to witnesses,angry supporters also vandalized and set fire to the city’s police station.
“There are around a hundred dead. The bodies are lined up as far as the eye can see in the hospital. others are lying on the floor in the corridors. The morgue is full”a doctor at the regional hospital told AFP on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak. “There are dozens of deaths”according to another doctor.
Bah Oury, prime Minister of Guinea, reacted to X: “The government deplores the incidents that ruined the football match between the teams of Labé and N’Zérékoré this afternoon in N’Zérékoré. Casualties were recorded during the hasty escape. The regional authorities are working to restore calm and serenity among the population. The government is following the evolution of the situation and reiterates its appeal for calm so that hospital services are not hindered in providing first aid to the injured. The moral authorities of the city are also invited to contribute to the restoration of social tranquility. The government will issue a press release as soon as it has gathered all relevant information on thes unfortunate incidents. »
“It all started with a challenge to a referee’s decision. The fans then invaded the playing area.”a witness who asked to remain anonymous for his safety told AFP. According to the press,it was a tournament dedicated to the head of the junta,General Mamadi Doumbouya,who came to power after a coup d’état in September 2021 and has since become president. This “Refoundation Tournament” was organized by the “Alliance of Young Forestry Leaders” group.
such tournaments have multiplied in recent weeks in Guinea, in what is seen as support for Doumbouya’s possible candidacy in the next presidential elections.
Political unrest
The junta initially pledged,under international pressure,to hand over to elected civilians by the end of 2024. It has since made it known that it would break its promise. Many of Doumbouya’s representatives have recently said they are in favor of his candidacy in the next presidential elections. But the “transition charter” established by the junta immediately after the coup provides that no member of the junta can run for office “neither in national nor local elections”.
The authorities had indicated at the end of September that all votes for the restoration of the constitutional order would take place in 2025.At the end of July they presented a preliminary draft of the Constitution with the aim of having it voted on in a referendum before the end of the year. but no date has yet been set for submitting this text to the population, rejected by the main opposition parties and civil society organisations.
Stay informed
Follow us on WhatsApp
Receive essential African news on WhatsApp with the “Monde Afrique” channel.
Joint
The junta seeks to silence all forms of dissent, banning demonstrations and critical media. Many opposition leaders have been arrested, indicted before judges or sent into exile. At the beginning of July,two leaders of a dissolved citizens’ movement that called for the return of civilians to power disappeared.
What are the psychological impacts of violence in sports on fans and players?
Interview: A Conversation on Violence in Sports
Editor (time.news): Welcome, Dr. amina kone, a leading sociologist and expert on sports and society. We appreciate you taking the time to discuss the tragic events that occurred in N’Zérékoré, Guinea, on December 1st. Could you start by summarizing what we’ve seen this weekend?
Dr. Kone: Thank you for having me. The events in N’Zérékoré are deeply distressing. Reports indicate that violence erupted during a football match, leading to a notable loss of life, with estimates suggesting up to a hundred deaths. Witnesses have described horrific scenes, including injuries and vandalism, exacerbating an already tense situation.
Editor: Its heart-wrenching to hear. What do you think are the underlying causes of such violence during sporting events?
Dr. Kone: while the immediate cause appears to be the tensions between fans, this violence is often rooted in deeper societal issues—political instability, lack of trust in institutions, and a cultural context where football stands as a significant outlet for frustration. In cities like N’Zérékoré, local rivalries can escalate into full-blown conflicts, especially when emotions run high.
Editor: The prime minister mentioned the governmentS efforts to restore calm and that the authorities are appealing for tranquility. How effective do you think these measures can be in the aftermath of such violence?
Dr. Kone: Government responses are crucial but can be challenging. Immediate measures like providing medical support and ensuring safety can help in the short term. However, long-term solutions must address the root causes.This includes engaging with community leaders, fostering trust, and creating platforms for dialogue among rival groups. It’s also essential to make systematic changes in how sporting events are policed and regulated.
Editor: You referred to community engagement. Can you elaborate on what role local authorities and community leaders play in preventing such incidents in the future?
Dr. Kone: Local authorities and community leaders are pivotal. They can foster relationships among different fan groups and promote a culture of respect and sportsmanship. Educational campaigns aimed at young fans can also be effective. Reinforcing messages about fair play and the dangers of violence can help reshape perceptions around sports events.
Editor: In the wake of this incident, do you think there will be a push for policy changes in sports governance in Guinea?
Dr. Kone: Yes, I anticipate that this tragic event will prompt a reevaluation of policies governing sports events. There might potentially be calls for stricter regulations on crowd control and safety measures during matches. Additionally, there might be a broader discussion about how to enhance community policing and ensure that security forces are trained to manage sporting events without exacerbating tensions.
Editor: That sounds like a constructive path forward. what can international sports organizations do in response to such incidents in Guinea and similar contexts?
Dr. Kone: International organizations can play a fundamental role by supporting local initiatives aimed at violence prevention and community engagement. They can help fund educational programs, provide resources for better crowd management, and promote events that celebrate peace and unity. By doing so, they can help transform football from a potential flashpoint of violence into a platform for social cohesion.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kone, for sharing your insights on this serious issue. It’s vital that we continue to understand and address the underlying factors contributing to violence in sports.
Dr. Kone: Thank you for shedding light on this critical topic. it’s through dialogue and understanding that we can hope to make sports a safe and joyous experience for everyone.
Editor: Indeed. We hope that the situation in N’Zérékoré stabilizes soon and that lessons can be learned to prevent such tragedies in the future. Thank you for your time.