Security Situaton Morroco to Mali

[AshaBlue]

Dear Chris, and et al...

I am part of a team of seven vehicles which are due to drive from Morocco to Mali commencing 17 Jan 11.

There is a conference call of all seven teams this evening at 8pm to discuss the security situation in the countries we are travelling through.

Could you possibly give me your succient opinion on the security situation along the route.

And many thanks again for your previous assistance.

Fergus

[Chris Scott]

I've heard from 2 groups in Mori this week - it's all fine. Lots of roadside checkpoints as mentioned elsewhere to watch over/reassure travellers rather than due to any imminent threat, AFAIK. Doubt there are any checkpoints on the pistes.

Ch

[Jose Brito]

There are!! We were stopped by a Police LC-pick 79 with a machine gun on the back on the piste between Chami (actually it leaves the tarmac some km south of Chami) and Choum.
I was not expecting and they appeared "out of nowhere"!! The first seconds were a bit of panic, but the car had a clear "Gendarmerie" written on the door and the pick-up was dark blue (typical police colour). So, no big doubts.
They were a bit aggressive in the begining. Especially the arrival with the machine gun pointed at the driver - me ;-)
But in the end they were very friendly and all they wanted was to know who we were and our destination.

Cheers,
José

[moggy 1968]

it is reassuring that the mauritanians are trying to sort this out. I would hate to see the Atlantic route closed again and the tourism it brings in is important for the countries concerned.

uhuh, where exactly was that Jose, closer to Chami or closer to Choum? in the middle of the day or they tracked your campsite? i mean, do you think it was a chance meeting or they followed you? thanks

and, ah priffe, finally a chance to meet in person and discuss security issues, quickly followed (hopefully) by more entertaining topics

[Jose Brito]

Hi,


It was almost halfway between Chami and Choum (around N20º 30.2' / W14º 53.8').
There is a well and some huts in the area. I think they had a dissimulated checkpoint there. This route was probably the one used bi AQIM to take the Spanish out to Mali. So may be Mauritania is now more keen of securing the natural corridor between Western Sahara and almost NKT.

Cheers,
José

thanks a lot Jose