Human rights organizations in Guinea reported Tuesday that 135 people died in Sunday’s soccer stadium crush in Nzerekore, more than doubling the government’s official death toll of 56 victims.
The collective of rights groups in the Nzerekore region said their higher estimate came from multiple sources, including hospitals, cemeteries, stadium witnesses, victims’ families, religious institutions, and local media. “We now estimate 135 people died at the stadium, mostly children under the age of 18,” the coalition stated, adding that more than 50 people remain missing.
The tragedy unfolded after a disputed referee decision sparked violence, leading security forces to deploy tear gas. The rights groups accused authorities of using excessive force and prioritizing official protection over spectator safety. They reported that vehicles carrying officials struck fleeing spectators at the overcrowded venue, where security forces allegedly blocked exit gates.
The organizations placed responsibility on both tournament organizers and Guinea’s ruling military junta, noting the event was held in honor of military leader Mamady Doumbouya with government technical and financial support.
The government, which promised an investigation Monday, has not responded to the rights groups’ revised death toll or allegations about security force conduct.
