Taking a car to West Africa
 

Just saw this posting on Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree forum.

Warning to those transiting Mali w/ own vehicle - Lonely Planet travel forum

Wondering if anyone has any other information or experience with regards to this new douane tax which came into force in April 2010. I plan to take a car to Mali in October and then sell it on so any tips or advice will be appreciated.

This was talked about when I was passing through in February. Back then it was assumed that the taxes would only affect Malians trying to import cars. And that it could lower the prices one could get since import would become much more expensive.
Basically not a bad idea, since the car business has gone out of control, with stolen cars and many with fake VINs and forged papers.
Let's hope it gets sorted out and Bamako finds a less heavy-handed solution before next season.