BRAZZAVILLE: At least 37 people were killed during a stampede that occurred overnight during an army recruitment drive in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, officials reported on Tuesday. The incident occurred during the recruitment process announced by the army in Congo-Brazzaville last week, aiming to enlist 1,500 persons aged between 18 and 25.
Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso expressed deep sorrow over the “tragedy,” confirming the death toll of 37 people, along with an unspecified number of others injured. In response to the incident, a crisis unit has been established under the prime minister’s authority to manage the aftermath.
Army Recruitment Process in Congo
The recruitment process directed aspiring candidates to the Michel d’Ornano stadium in the heart of Brazzaville. Local residents revealed that a large number of people remained in the stadium on Monday night when the stampede occurred. Reports suggest that attempts to force their way through gates led to a chaotic scramble, resulting in many being trampled in the process.
