Moroccans saddened by Dakar Rally decision
2008-01-06
Female race driver Saida Ibrahimi was among many Moroccans disappointed after last Friday's announcement that the 2008 Dakar Rally would be cancelled.
By Naoufel Cherkaoui for Magharebia in Rabat – 06/01/08
 [Naoufel Cherkaoui] Saida Ibrahimi (right), flanked by her assistant Tobahi, said that she had hoped to raise the Moroccan flag at the end of the race. |
The news about the cancellation of the 30th Dakar Rally had a strong effect in Morocco. The event serves as an annual boost for international tourism. Morocco usually reaps millions of US dollars from the passage of the race over its territory.
Morocco's Minister of Youth and Sports Nawal El Moutawakel said, "We are sorry for the cancellation of 2008 Dakar Rally. It's a loss for Morocco, the land of peace." She added, "We are confident that the rally, which was cancelled for reasons beyond our control, will return next year."
Meanwhile, car racer Saida Ibrahimi, who was to represent Morocco for the first time, told Magharebia, "I have received the news about the cancellation with profound sorrow. I felt disappointed, as I have lost a big bet because I was hoping to raise the Moroccan flag at the end of the race." She added, "The cancellation left a great shock on all participants, especially for us, the Moroccans, who would participate for the first time. We didn't imagine that the event, which has been organized for 30 years, would be cancelled."
Royal Moroccan Federation for Car Racing President Mohammed Felous said, "This cancellation is not good because we were going to take part for the first time in the race in both the car and motorcycle categories."
"Terrorism is not a logical thing," Felous continued. "Organisers have to learn lessons from this year's experience."
Mohammed Darif, a Moroccan expert on Islamist groups, told Magharebia the cancellation of the rally could be perceived as benefiting al-Qaeda. "The cancellation says that the organizers have doubts over the ability of the Mauritanian security authorities to provide security," he said, warning that this could be construed as an "acknowledgement that al-Qaeda has the ability to threaten the race."
Darif noted that despite security threats Morocco has seen in recent years, "the rally was not cancelled, and the course of the Moroccan stage was not even changed." However, he added, "The whole event was cancelled as soon as some French tourists were targeted in Mauritania for the first time."
Dakar Rally director Etienne Lavaigne, told the press "The French government strongly recommended that we cancel the race. This is in addition to the fact that some statements issued by al-Qaeda Organisation in the Islamic Maghreb mentioned the name of the race. This is according to the prime minister's office which has the text of these statements."
Because the threats were "not confined to the Mauritanian stage but were against the entire race", Portugal Rally organizer Joao Lagos said, the cancellation was "inevitable".
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Mohamed EL BAKI Posted 2008-01-06
It is really sad to see this sports competition cancelled. The latest attacks on tourists in Mauritania forced the promoters to make this heavily consequential, but extremely wise decision. The security of competitors is very important, as is it that the security of the population and of the regions involved be guaranteed.
Khalide Posted 2008-01-06
I am also disappointed, but I think that this is better than the enormous dramas that could play out in one of these traditional bivouacs sites in the Dakar Rally. There are already fatal accidents every year, and, as of late in recent years, they have been increasing due to the force of these racers. This has become a high-risk sport. And, if we add outside risks to the sport, it is better to calm this game down this year. It was a wise decision. I am sending out my best wishes for 2008 to the readers.
hassan Posted 2008-01-07
I do not understand what Dakar is up to!? In any case, the rich men in the North are running the machines throughout the poor countries of the South. What does this tell you!?
rallylife 2008 Posted 2008-01-07
the risk is there in every motorsport, in life. show me a man who hasnt ever taken a risked, and i will show you a man who has not lived life, only followed what he was told like a herd of sheep. it is a tradition, and people have joined it knowing full well what it entails. i am saddened by this cancellation, terrorists have won a psychological battle here without firing a single shot.
maroki Posted 2008-01-09
With a barrel at $100, Dakar, the missing out on crucial earnings, the closing of the Spanish embassy, of the one in Senegal too, our peacekeepers are poorly viewed, economic loss is well on its way, France does not want our immigration, neither does Spain, soon will be the end of the occupation of the Sahara, no fish, no phosphates, being neither aware of the profits or interest from any of this, nor of the losses… we criticize others, but here it is worse and even bankrupt. Our misfortune comes from the misdeed and gossiping we spread on to others; Morocco in its true colours.
امة العزيز Posted 2008-01-10
For God we are and to God we shall return, God suffices us and He is the best protector against terrorists and those belonging to it with their ideas ignoring the true Islamic religion which is tolerant with all heavenly religions. Unfortunately, once more, they offer a golden opportunity for the West to harm Islam and defame it. For God we are and to God we shall return. There is no power and no will but from God Almighty.
reda Posted 2008-01-12
Argh, They are bombarding us with media on Moroccan “exploits in all sectors” every second they can. Who cares if she has a car like men? This must surely be supported by governmental authorities. We are very “developed” in this sense.
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