Guinean junta leader announces investigation into deaths of more than 55 people at soccer match

Doumbouya calls for calm after the riots in N’Zérékore and conveys his condolences to the families of the victims

Dec. 2 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The leader of the military junta of Guinea, Mamady Doumboya, announced this Monday the creation of a commission of inquiry to analyze the incidents recorded on Sunday during a football match following the death of more than 55 people, while at the same time called for calm in the town of N’Zérékoré (south).

Doumbouya regretted in a statement published on his account on the social network Facebook that the incidents resulted in “human losses” and expressed his “sincere condolences” to the families of the victims, before adding that the medical services “are doing what possible” to care for the numerous injured.

Thus, he defended that the authorities are acting to “respond to these tragic events”, including sending a commission to the area, and added that an investigation team will be created “to determine the causes of the tragedy and establish responsibilities.” “, amid criticism from the opposition.

“I call for calm and serenity for better management of this catastrophe and to reinforce our common will to live together on a basis of peace and social cohesion,” said Doumbouya, hours after the Government put the number of deaths at 56. died in the riots, unleashed during the final of a soccer tournament created in their honor.

Thus, the Guinean transitional government maintained through a statement signed by the Prime Minister, Amadou Oury Bah, that the incidents broke out due to “discontent over refereeing decisions” during the match, which led to stones being thrown by of the fans, which caused “deadly avalanches”.

The incidents between fans of the Labé and N’Zérékoré clubs – who were competing in the final of the ‘General Mamady Doumbouya’ trophy – provoked the intervention of the Guinean Police, who used tear gas to try to disperse those present, in some incidents in which looting and the burning of a police station in the area have also been recorded, according to Guinée Matin.

The opposition National Alliance for Alternation and Democracy (ANAD) has regretted that the “tragic events” have left “dozens of dead and injured” and has conveyed its condolences to the families of the victims. In addition, he has asked to “reflect on the underlying causes of this drama” and has framed the tournament in events “with the aim of supporting the illegal candidacy” of Doumbouya in the next elections.

For his part, former president Alpha Condé, overthrown in the 2021 coup d’état, has shown his “deep sadness” for the “tragedy that struck the nation” during the football match, events that he has said are “of a serious nature.” unacceptable”. Furthermore, he noted that “it is crucial that justice be done” and that “the exact circumstances of this tragedy be fully clarified.”

Condé was released in April 2022 after months of detention as a result of the riot, following months of political crisis due to the president’s decision to modify the Constitution to run for a third term and allegations of fraud by the opposition after that the electoral commission gave him victory in the 2020 elections.