Stampede kills 31 people at Republic of Congo stadium during army recruitment

By Aurore Bonny

DOUALA, Cameroon (AA) - At least 31 people were killed and 147 others injured at a stadium in Republic of Congo’s capital Brazzaville in a reported stampede during an army recruitment drive, the government said.

"A tragedy occurred at the Stade Ornano on the night of Monday November 20 to Tuesday November 21, 2023," according to a note from Communication Minister Thierry Moungalla.

Local media reported that the tragedy was caused by a stampede during army recruitment.

Moungalla said a crisis unit has been set up under the authority of the prime minister.

The government decided to declare national mourning on Wednesday and to suspend recruitment for the armed forces in Brazzaville only, while it will continue in the rest of the country.

An investigation has also been launched into the incident.

A joint police-army administrative inquiry has also been opened to determine the causes of the incident, and will deliver its conclusions in the next few days, according to the communication minister.