Dozens of people were killed on Sunday in clashes during a soccer match in Guinea, according to media reports.
The violence occurred during a game between the Labe and Nzerekore soccer teams in the city of Nzerekore, the second-largest city in the West African nation.
It was unclear on Sunday how many people were killed. Agence France-Presse, citing local hospital sources, said there were “dozens dead,” with one doctor estimating the death toll was closer to “around 100” people.
Prime Minister Bah Oury of Guinea condemned the violence in a statement on X on Sunday.
“The government deplores the incidents that marred the football match between the Labe and Nzerekore teams this afternoon in Nzerekore,” Mr. Oury said.
The government called for calm “so that hospital services are not hindered in providing first aid to the injured,” Mr. Oury said.
More information will be released when it becomes available, Mr. Oury said.
It’s unclear exactly what led to the violence. Agence France-Presse spoke to a witness who said the clashes erupted after a disputed call by a referee that led to fans invading the field.
One doctor at the local hospital told Agence France-Presse that the facility and morgue were filling up with bodies.
The game was part of a tournament honoring Col. Mamady Doumbouya, Guinea’s military leader, who seized power in 2021.
Nzerekore, which has a population of about 200,000 people, is about 555 miles southeast of the capital.
Additional reporting from New York Times
