The Dakar will go well at its end. The pilots set off on the last stage of the famous rally-raid this Friday, January 14, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Fifteen days earlier, the explosion of an assistance vehicle had seriously injured Frenchman Philippe Boutron in the same city.
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The pilot’s entourage says it was a deliberate act. A preliminary investigation for “Attempted assassinations in connection with a terrorist enterprise” was also opened by the national anti-terrorism prosecution on January 5 in France.
“A blow once morest the Saudi sports showcase”
The Saudi authorities’ version is quite different. Riyadh reiterated on January 7 the hypothesis of an “accident” without commenting on the French position. “The results made it possible to ensure that the preliminary investigations did not reveal any criminal suspicion”, the Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry wrote in a statement. The major local media have also barely commented on this explosion.
This reaction reveals ” embarrassment “ Saudi authorities, explains Raphaël Le Magoariec, a specialist in sports policies in the Gulf States. Whether the terrorist or at least criminal track is proven or not, the explosion that occurred on the Dakar rally is “A first blow once morest the sports window of Saudi Arabia” he adds. the “The seriousness of the kingdom’s candidacy – host of many major international sporting events – might be called into question”, estimates the doctoral student at the University of Tours.
Sport promoted for economic purposes
Since his designation as crown prince in June 2017, Mohammed Ben Salman has pledged to restore the austere image of the kingdom. The first edition of the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, for example, was organized in December. Two years earlier, a women’s wrestling competition had also been particularly noticed by observers.
The main lines of this project appear in the “Vision 2030” launched five years ago by “MBS” to diversify the economy of the country still dependent on oil revenues. Sport plays an important role here. “Unlike the emirate of Abu Dhabi or Qatar, Saudi Arabia is keen to develop sport from an economic perspective”, comments Raphaël Le Magoariec. Its contribution to the national GDP has also increased from 2.4 to 6.5 billion rials in two years, according to the Saudi sports ministry.
Endogenous opposition
In addition to the terrorist threat, MBS also faces the challenge of the endogenous opposition. Even though the majority of Saudis support all-out social and religious reforms, pockets of resistance remain in the land of the Two Holy Mosques. “These reforms are implemented in a very short period of time, which causes a certain gap with the social reality of the country. Including among the youth ”, specifies the researcher. Those under 30 represent more than half of the population in this Gulf country.
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With its 35 million inhabitants, the demographic weight of the kingdom is nevertheless a strong argument for the organizers of major sporting events. “Saudi Arabia is a new market opening up to them, complete Raphaël Le Magoariec. Some organizers, who are also businessmen, may prioritize the economic interest over the dangers incurred. “
On the Dakar rally, no claims related to the explosion were made. As a precaution, the safety devices have been reinforced for this end of the race. “We always ask ourselves questions but for the moment – as long as we don’t have the answers – we have to wait, Director David Castera said last week. We will already finish this rally and we will see for the rest. “ Two years of contract still bind the French organizer ASO to Saudi Arabia.
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