Fifty-six people killed in clashes during soccer match match in Guinea, Reuters reported, citing a statement from the local government.
Violence erupted during the final of the tournament in honor of Guinean military leader Mamadi Doumbouya at the stadium in Nzerekore, one of the country's largest cities.
Some fans started throwing stones, which caused panic and eventually a mass fight, the government said in a statement. It added that an investigation has been launched into the case.
Video verified by Reuters showed dozens of people climbing high walls to escape the violence.
An anonymous representative of the local government said that many of the victims were minors who were drawn into the fight after the police started using tear gas. The official said some parents had taken the bodies of their dead children away before authorities could count the bodies.
Videos and photos shared online show people lying on the ground. In one of the videos, over ten bodies can be seen, some of which are of children. Reuters cannot verify the authenticity of this footage.
The opposition group National Alliance for Change and Democracy said the authorities were responsible for organizing tournaments aimed at boosting political support for Dumbuya ahead of promised presidential elections.
The military junta has not yet responded to these accusations.