Route d'espoir security

[Marocnroller]

Hi all
Anyone done the Route d'espoir Nouckchott - Bamako road recently?
How was security after Ayoun until Nioro?

If it's a no go for now then does any one know if the Senegalese are sticking to their Carnet rule too strictly for older vehicles- heard they've revised it this year and aren't letting any in now. Hence the need to go the other way!
Cheers for any info.

[stef25]

I was told that for a big upcoming event that's seeing 100's of cars heading to Bamako, the Senegalese decided to levy an additional tax on cars older than 5 years. I have no idea if this is just for this special event, or if it applies to everyone.

Copy paste from this event's organizers:

Senegal's only problem was an obscure law that doesn't permit
vehicles older than 5 years to enter the country. During
the summer we negotiated an arrangement with the local
authorities that part of our permit will include a waiver
for cars older than 5 years.

This morning creative Senegalese customs officials said
that they don't honor [this] arrangement.
However, they are willing to allow cars older than 5
years for x EUR per vehicle. (Normally this
rate is x EUR).

[Marocnroller]

Ok thanks. Any idea what the event is? Maybe the Plymouth - Dakar challenge.
It does say 'summer' though which implies it's past news now.
Just have to try it and see I guess.

[stef25]

It's Budapest-Bamako, I'm going.

[Marocnroller]

Ahh of course. I'm going next month though so I guess it won't help me

[stef25]

Well the B2 starts on Jan 15th, not that far off.

[Marocnroller]

Ok well maybe I'll pretend to be the scout vehicle and see what happens

[carinatauk]

Hi can you keep us informed please.

I leave mid December now, due to mechanical issues. My bike is 22 years old and would like to know if issues could arrive when crossing into Senegal.

Thanks

Edited to ask when the 5 year ruling came in, as a friend crossed with a similar aged bike in Jan 2010

[Marocnroller]

The 5 year rule's been there a while but was negotiable until Apparentley July 2010 when they started enforcing it. Some big wig has started importing cars and wants a monopoly on the Market so I've heard.
I'll be leaving mid december also so maybe see you on route.