Choum tunnel
Choum tunnel
Choum tunnel
Choum tunnel
Choum tunnel
The Choum tunnel, as depicted in the Google Maps satellite imagery, remains a fascinating testament to historical decisions and geopolitical considerations. Stretching two kilometers through solid granite, the tunnel was constructed to ensure that the railway stayed within French territory, serving as what some have described as the “monument to European stupidity in Africa” (Griffiths, 1985).
The irony of the situation
is heightened by the fact that in the 1970s, after Spain departed from Western Sahara, Mauritania briefly held control over the territory where the railroad could have been built without the need for the tunnel. Nevertheless, the tunnel served its purpose until 1991 when the Mauritania Railway was relocated into Western Sahara, rendering the tunnel obsolete.
Today, the abandoned the place stands as a relic of historical decisions and changing geopolitical landscapes. The 5km of track inside Western Sahara represents a unique railway network within the country, making it one of the smallest railway systems globally among nations that have any railway within their borders. The story of place adds a layer of complexity to the already intricate tapestry of African history and development.
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Southern portal of the Choum tunnel, built by the Fench when establishing a railway line from Nouadhibou to Zouérat to exploit local iron ore reserves. The initial French plan was to negotiate with the Spanish administration of Rio de Oro / Western Sahara to cross Spanish territory, however they did not reach an agreement, purportedly because the Spanish conditions were unacceptable. As a consequence, the French decided to build a 2km long tunnel through solid rock. As per Wikipedia listing, the tunnel has been called a “monument to European stupidity in Africa”. The tunnel is no longer in use and the railway line passes through a small strech of POLISARIO controlled areas.
Oualata (or Walata) is one of the cornerstone trade cities in the trans-Saharan Trade Route. It is now an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the farthest of the ancient Mauritanian cities to reach from Nouakchott. Traveling to this city requires passing through Tichit, so it can almost always be seen together with another of the four ancient cities. You’ll also pass awesome sites on the way as well, like the Elephant Mountains. It is rich with history as a cultural and religious center as the southern terminus of the centuries-old trade route, and, fittingly, the home of a manuscript museum.
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