Senegalese press laments cancelled Dakar Rally

The Senegalese press on Saturday lamented the cancellation of the 2008 edition of the Dakar Rally as a "death sentence" for the gruelling race through Western Africa.

The daily Le Soleil questioned whether the terrorist threats which resulted in the race being cancelled for the first time in its colourful 30-year history would kill off all subsequent events.

"The Dakar is an extraordinary platform to make a name for oneself. Certain small groups understand that and use and abuse it," the newspaper read.

The newspaper said that they did not "condemn the decision by organisers" but laid the blame with "publicity-seeking movements" which they accused of fomenting threats "by all channels open to them".

"At the same time one can't help thinking of what will happen next year at the same time if (they) decide to return to Africa. Any terrorist threat could call everything into question," Le Soleil speculated. "What is certain is that it's perhaps the death sentence of the traditional Dakar which has been signed."

The private newspaper Le Matin stated that "terrorism was the winner of the 30th Dakar" while for Le Quotidien the decision was "a real waste, an enormous loss" financially.

The private Sud Quotidien calculated that Senegal would lose an estimated 1.310 billion CFA francs (US$2.9 million) by not hosting the race, but the newspaper ironically noted that Africa had perhaps "saved its children" by the cancellation of a race which has resulted in 47 deaths during its history, mostly competitors.

Meanwhile, Le Soleil speculated on the future of the race, stating that it could be held elsewhere, citing Chile as a possible location, after Dakar organisers reportedly recently visited the south American country.