Cameroon: At least eight dead in a stampede during AFCON game between Cameroon and Comoros
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There was a stampede in Yaounde resulting from a rush by football fans during the 2021 African Cup of Nations. According to the government of Cameroon, at least eight people were killed and 38 injured during a match between Cameroon and Comoros in Yaounde, the political capital of Cameroon.
The incident took place on Monday 24 January 2022 at the south entrance of the Olembe Stadium as fans attempted to watch the round of 16 matches between Cameroon and Comoros. A total of 31 persons were lightly injured and seven severely injured according to the statement from the Cameroon government authorities.
The Indomitable lions of Cameroon through their captain Vincent Aboubakar have expresses condolences to the bereave families. see statement below:
As revealed by the CAF secretary general, the deceased were taken to the Yaoundé Emergency Centre, while the injured were taken to other four health facilities in Yaoundé.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s Secretary-General Veron Mosengo-Omba have indicted that they are aware of the stampede and they have also indicated that investigations have been open. “CAF is currently investigating the situation in order to obtain more details about these incidents. We are in constant communication with the Cameroonian authorities and the local organizing committee,” It is worthy to note he, the secretary general had visited the victims in Yaoundé, he states during a press conference on 25 January 2022.
As reiterated by Dr. Patrice Motsepe the president of CAF, though he is not in the position to give opinions, he said that one gate which was supposed to be open was not and that there is need for investigations while citing that there exist a distance between the checking point and the stadium.
According to the President of the Confederation of African Football, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, Cameroon’s next game against Gambia which was supposed to be at the Olembe Football Stadium has been moved to the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium. He promised the media that hopefully the findings will be available on Friday
During the press conference, CAF authorities “deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives” in the crush……The thoughts and prayers of the global football community are with the victims, the ones who have been injured in this incident, and all the staff of both CAF and the Cameroonian Football Association at this difficult moment.”
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
