Some individuals attempted to force their way into the stadium in the capital, Brazzaville, causing a stampede, according to residents.
Last week, the army announced its intention to recruit about 1,500 individuals aged between 18 and 25. Many people were injured in the stampede, according to a government statement. It did not provide a number but indicated that a "crisis unit" had been established, according to the AFP news agency.
According to the Associated Press agency, up to 700 people per day have been registering at recruitment centers over the past week. Youth unemployment is at around 42% in Congo-Brazzaville, with many young people considering the army as one of the few places where they can find employment. Details about what exactly happened at Michel d'Ornano stadium are unclear.
Thousands of young people apparently gathered outside the stadium on Monday. Local sources told the BBC that the registration process was supposed to begin on Tuesday morning. Brandon Tsetou, a graduate who survived the stampede, said he had been queuing since early Monday morning.
"According to the organizers, it was supposed to be the last day. That's why many of us decided to wait late into the night, hoping to register," he told AP. "Some were so impatient that they had to force their way in, causing a stampede that resulted in several deaths and injuries, which we regret."
MMC