At least 37 people have been killed and numerous others injured at a stadium in the Republic of Congo's capital Brazzaville overnight, the government says, with local media reporting a stampede during an army recruitment drive.
The government said the "tragedy" occurred at the Ornano stadium on Monday night, without giving further details.
Images shared on social media showed dozens of injured young men sprawled over the floor of a basketball court.
Local media said the stampede was triggered by young men seeking to submit their applications to join the army, an important employer in the country where little of its oil riches have trickled down to the population.
Male unemployment runs at more than 20 per cent, according to International Labour Organisation figures.