In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), at least eleven people died on Saturday, October 29, in a stampede during the concert of Congolese singer Fally Ipupa in the largest stadium in the capital, Kinshasa. Nine spectators and two police officers died, the national police announced on Sunday morning, after a very restless night.
With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Pascal Mulegwa
It was one of the most anticipated events for Congolese music lovers for many weeks in Kinshasa, but the event turned tragic. The authorities point to flaws in the organization.
The stadium was packed. Spectators were even installed on the ground and others had rushed into the hallways of the stadium.
According to a source close to the organization, the event brought together more than 120,000 people. It is not yet known what triggered the stampede, but several spectators passed out before and during the concert.
This Sunday morning, Daniel Aselo, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the Interior, questioned the organizers who, according to him, did not respect their commitments, in particular in terms of reception capacity.
” The people were suffocated. No one was beaten up. In this story, the organizer of the event must be prosecuted and punished. He needs to come forward and tell the Republic why he misorganized this event that led people to their deaths. “, did he declare.
According to Daniel Aselo, a member of the organizing committee was arrested in the morning and others are wanted.