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 Lisbon
Jan 4, 2008 - After different exchanges with the French
government - in particular the Ministry for Foreign Affairs - ,
and based on their firm recommendations, the organizers of the Dakar
have taken the decision to cancel the 2008 edition of the rally,
scheduled from the 5th to the 20th of January between Lisbon and
Senegal’s capital.
Based on the current international political tension and the murder
of four French tourists last 24th of December linked to a branch
of Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb, but also and mainly the direct threats
launched directly against the race by terrorist organizations, no
other decision but the cancellation of the sporting event could
be taken by A.S.O.
A.S.O.’s first responsibility is to guarantee the safety
of all: that of the populations in the countries visited, of the
amateur and professional competitors, of the technical assistance
personnel, of the journalists, partners and rally collaborators.
A.S.O. therefore reaffirms that the choice of security is not, has
never been and will never be a subject of compromise at the heart
of the Dakar rally.
A.S.O. condemns the terrorist menace that annihilates a year of
hard work, engagement and passion for all the participants and the
different actors of the world’s biggest off-road rally. Aware
of the huge frustration, especially in Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania
and Senegal, and beyond the general disappointment and the huge
economical consequences in terms of direct and indirect repercussions
for the countries visited, A.S.O. will continue to defend the major
values of great sporting events and will carry on its engagement
for a durable development through the Actions Dakar, started 5 years
ago in sub-Saharan Africa with SOS Sahel International.
The Dakar is a symbol and nothing can destroy symbols. The cancellation
of the 2008 edition does not endanger the future of the Dakar. To
offer, for 2009 a new adventure to all the off-road rally passionate
is a challenge that A.S.O. will take on in the months to come, faithful
to its engagement and its passion for sports.
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