In the World

CONGO

Soccer stadium stampede kills 15

A stampede at a soccer stadium in Congo's capital killed at least 15 people after angry fans threw rocks from the stands, prompting security officers to fire tear gas that caused crowds to flee in panic, government officials and witnesses said Monday.

The stampede at the Tata Raphael Stadium in Kinshasa happened toward the end of a match Sunday between two popular Congolese teams, AS Vita Club and TP Mazembe.

At least 21 others were injured during the melee, said Gov. Andre Kimbuta, who has set up a commission to investigate the incident.

Congolese government spokesman Lambert Mende on Monday defended the actions of the officers.

"It is false to say that the violence was started by the tear gas, which was used to protect people being threatened by elements in the stands who were acting like militiamen," he said. - AP
SOUTH SUDAN

A call for tribunal

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called Monday for a special tribunal for South Sudan, saying there are grounds to believe that crimes against humanity have been committed since widespread violence began five months ago. He welcomed Friday's cease-fire agreement by President Salva Kiir and his former vice president, Riek Machar, and demanded an immediate end to fighting, which flared over the weekend. He called for "30 days of tranquillity" so farmers can plant crops in peace to avoid famine in the world's newest nation. - AP
GUYANA

Beauty queen cleared

A judge on Monday dismissed a murder charge against a former beauty queen. Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry ruled that prosecutors provided no evidence to prove that Carolan Lynch killed her wealthy husband in May 2007, months after she was crowned Mrs. South America. - AP