In light of escalating tensions in Mali, Moroccan truck drivers are increasingly resorting to a longer and perilous route that traverses through Mauritania, Senegal, and Guinea-Bissau. This alternative path has been adopted as a means to circumvent the ongoing challenges in Mali, according to various transport unions. However, industry representatives have raised red flags regarding the significant safety risks associated with this corridor, which is characterized by poor road conditions, extended delays, and insufficient infrastructure.
Charki El Hachimi, the secretary-general of the National Union of International and Domestic Transport Professionals, has indicated that despite the daunting obstacles, some drivers are opting for this route. He highlighted that the journey is not only lengthy but also fraught with challenges, including treacherous terrain and substandard road quality in both directions. "Even watching videos of the route is enough to raise concern," El Hachimi remarked, emphasizing the precarious nature of the journey.
As it stands, drivers are compelled to navigate through Mauritania, Senegal, and Guinea-Bissau to access markets that were previously reachable through Mali. El Hachimi pointed out that a mere 140-kilometer stretch in Senegal can take up to eight hours to traverse, primarily due to the deplorable road conditions. Moreover, the segment through Guinea-Bissau can extend to four or five days due to cumbersome customs procedures, multiple checkpoints, and logistical bottlenecks. He characterized this route as both expensive and ill-suited for freight transport.
Mustapha Chaaoune, president of the African Union of Transport and Logistics Organizations, echoed these concerns, noting that the situation in Mali, coupled with border closures, has severely disrupted trade flows across the region, impacting Morocco and several West African nations. He cautioned that some operators are making unilateral decisions to take risky forest tracks that are ill-equipped for heavy vehicles.
One particularly dangerous route spans approximately 140 to 150 kilometers through dense forest, marked by sharp bends and potholes. Alarmingly, this route is sometimes traversed at night, despite the inherent dangers. Chaaoune has urged Moroccan drivers to steer clear of these hazardous alternatives, stressing the importance of prioritizing safety and the welfare of the public at large.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
