Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba reported that the stampede took place at the 80,000-capacity Stade des Martyrs stadium in central Kinshasa, where renowned Congolese gospel singer Mike Kalambayi was performing.
The chaos led to seven deaths, according to state television RTNC, with some of the injured being taken to intensive care.
Although authorities did not provide details on the cause of the stampede, they confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.
The local music management company responsible for organizing the event suggested that the chaos began when “security services tried to neutralize some troublemakers.”
The management company Maajabu Gospel reported in a statement that the concert, which included performances by various musicians and pastors, drew approximately 30,000
Footage purportedly from the event broadcast showed massive crowds assembled outside the stadium, waiting behind barricades to enter. Inside, attendees were seen rushing towards the center stage.
Such incidents has previously occurred in Congo, frequently attributed to inadequate crowd control measures, including excessive use of force.
Last October, eleven people lost their lives in a similar stampede at the same stadium during a music concert.