At a recent soccer match in Guinea, at least 56 people were killed, however many people believe the number of fatalities is closer to 100, due to an immense crowd crush. Many of the victims that were found amongst the crowd were actually children. As videos began to surface on the internet, it displayed fans climbing over walls to get out of the stadium as there was only one very crowded exit.

Reports indicate that fights between fans and security started after the referee sent off a player in the last few minutes of the game, which sparked outrage from angry fans who began throwing stones. When people started throwing stones, the police responded by tear gassing the fans, which caused people to begin fleeing. The organizers were criticized for holding the game while the country was already full of tensions and restrictions. It was also reported that the game was part of a tournament organized by the ruling military to support President Doumbouya’s candidacy. Doumbouya made himself president after seizing power and is potentially running for president in 2025. Doumbouya is only one of several people who have seized power in the area since 2020. The country of Guinea has had at least 8 successful coups. Political upheavals create larger concerns of a slide towards military rule in a resource-rich but poverty-stricken area. 

There were estimates having 20,000 to 30,000 people present to witness the game. Checkpoints were set up throughout the city of Nzerekore. Soldiers guarded the hospital where victims were being treated. There’s video showing people laying on the hospital floor and members of a crowd helping the wounded. The authorities have been working to find who is responsible for the chaos. Guinea’s leader announced three days of mourning in the nation in a presidential decree that was read on national television.