A Moroccan transport official has recently addressed concerns regarding reports of multiple Moroccan trucks being set ablaze near the border of Mauritania and Mali. Mustapha Chaoun, who serves as the head of the African Federation of Transport and Logistics Organizations, clarified that only a single vehicle was attacked by armed groups while it was making its way back to Morocco. Thankfully, both the driver and a companion managed to escape unharmed during the incident, which took place in Mali.
These statements stand in stark contrast to earlier media accounts that cited eyewitnesses claiming that at least six Moroccan trucks had been destroyed along a vital route connecting the Mauritanian border with the Malian capital, Bamako. This discrepancy underscores the increasing security challenges faced along West African transportation corridors, particularly in Mali, where the activities of armed groups have significantly escalated in recent years.
Chaoun emphasized that transport operators share the responsibility for their safety, pointing out that many of them are not members of professional organizations and often disregard warnings issued by Moroccan diplomatic missions stationed in the area. He stated, "We have repeatedly warned about the dangers of crossing areas where extremist groups operate," criticizing the seemingly reckless behavior exhibited by certain companies and drivers who choose to operate in high-risk zones.
Furthermore, Chaoun urged transport professionals to adhere strictly to the guidelines provided by Moroccan consulates in countries experiencing instability, particularly in Mali, where militant activities have seen a notable increase. Reports suggest that armed groups, specifically those affiliated with the Macina Liberation Front and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), have been responsible for recent attacks targeting transport vehicles.
In addition to the Moroccan trucks, there have been reports indicating that vehicles from Senegal and Mauritania have also fallen victim to similar assaults along the same corridor, with at least one driver sustaining minor injuries in the process. These attacks on cargo vehicles occur against a backdrop of rising violence in Mali, where armed factions have been actively working to disrupt supply lines and isolate urban centers.
The situation has been further exacerbated by coordinated attacks that took place in late April, which targeted Bamako and several other cities, contributing to a deteriorating security landscape and complicating trade flows in the region.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
