Home » Mauritania: Poverty, Iron Ore, and a Paradise for Off-Road Rallying

Mauritania: Poverty, Iron Ore, and a Paradise for Off-Road Rallying

When the rally caravan crossed into Mauritania, it entered a different world—a world of poverty, iron ore, and rallying paradise.

The rally organization excels in managing the smooth crossing of the border between Morocco and Mauritania. While stories of long waits are common in other events, such issues are absent in the Africa Eco Race. This is thanks to the excellent diplomatic connections of organizer Jean Louis Schlesser. His son Anthony now holds most of the reins and has been responsible for managing border logistics for years.

After enjoying an excellent local breakfast, the Moroccan border post was cleared with ease. The route then led over an unpaved road through no-man’s-land. After some smooth paperwork and stamping, the Mauritanian border post was also crossed without incident. The streamlined and efficient process was a great relief for all involved.

From French Colony to Islamic Republic

Thus, the entire caravan entered the next country. Until 1960, Mauritania was a French colony. Today, it is an Islamic Republic. Political power is held by the lighter-skinned population, while the black population is treated as second-class citizens. The largest economic activity in the country is mining. Mauritania is Africa’s second-largest exporter of iron ore. It also produces gold, copper, and petroleum. The largest trading partner is China, while Europe has agreements with the country to fish in its waters.

Despite its wealth of natural resources, the country remains poor. Extreme droughts and, conversely, flooding, negatively impact agricultural production and incomes. Regional instability in the Sahel further exacerbates economic hardship. This poverty is strikingly visible. At stops in villages or towns, children, teenagers, and even some adults literally knock on car windows asking for money or food. It can be both frustrating and heartbreaking, serving as a reminder of how privileged we are.

In the bivouac, local traders try to sell their goods. From cartons of cigarettes and jewelry to hand-drawn maps, there’s a brisk trade. The gendarmerie ensures a safe and orderly environment.

A Paradise for Off-Road Rallying

Returning to the rally, the heart of the Africa Eco Race lies in the three stages around Atar. This city, home to approximately 30,000 people, is located in northwestern Mauritania. In the past, it was a regular base for the Paris-Dakar Rally. Tourists also visit Atar, often using it as a starting point for desert excursions.

In 2002, an underground river was discovered near Atar, which could eventually provide the city with a sustainable water source—a remarkable fact for a town in the heart of the Sahara. The surrounding region is ideal for diverse and challenging rally stages. With fast tracks, technical sections, dunes, and wadi beds (dried-up riverbeds), every rally driver can truly enjoy the terrain.

In terms of terrain, it’s nothing short of a paradise for off-road rallying. Unless there is a sandstorm….