Deadly Stampede at Recruitment Drive in Brazzaville, Congo

At least 37 people, mostly young people, lost their lives and dozens were injured in a deadly stampede at the Michel-Ornano stadium in Brazzaville on November 20.

The event sparked a call for 1,500 young people to join the Congolese Armed Forces, a recruitment campaign that has fueled popular rage among the population affected by endemic unemployment.

According to the World Bank, poverty and inequality are made worse in the Republic of Congo by social exclusion and fragility.

The army has not confirmed whether the recruitment will take place after the tragedy or postponed it.

An entrance exam for the police and gendarmerie was organized in all departments of the country on May 28, but its results are still awaited.