Congo Brazzaville: At least 37 dead in stampede during army recruitment

As many as 37 died Tuesday November 21 at Michel-Ornano Stadium in Brazzaville on the eve of a recruitment process by the Army, Congolese authorities have announced.

Thousands of youths in capital Brazzaville reportedly invaded the Stadium on Monday night to find a seat for the recruitment process organized by the Army for the following day.

The 37 died as the crowd forced open the entrances of the Stadium in capital Brazzaville.

A communique, by a crisis Committee led by Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso to investigate the incident, indicated that at least 164 other youth were wounded.

Authorities declared November 22 ‘Day of National Mourning’ and took charge of medical assistance to the wounded and funerals of the dead.

They also suspended the recruitment in the capital. The Army announced last week the recruitment of 1.500 youth aged between 18 and 25 to serve in various ranks of Defense forces. Congo has a population of 5.7 million people. Youth unemployment rate per a September 2023 report stands at 42 per cent.