NOUAKCHOTT, Dec 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The EU has given Mauritania 250 camels as part of its efforts to combat the threat of jihadists and boost border security in the Sahel country, according to the Sahara Media news agency.
The arrival of the animals in the town of Achemim in an eastern region bordering Mali was met with amusement by local people, who thought the gift was surprising given that their country is known for having a large camel population.
The animals are destined to be deployed in Mauritania’s military camel cavalry units to help survey remote border areas that are particularly vulnerable to jihadists.
The army chief, Lieutenant General Masgaro Ould Sidi, said the new additions will provide a boost to the units which play an important role in guarding the country’s borders.
A Facebook post by the Al-Akhbar news agency generated hundreds of comments and laugh emojis. One user wondered where the camels came from: “They came as a gift from Europe, but they were always here?”
Another posted in mock disbelief: “The EU has camels too?” — NNN-AGENCIES
