"I was born a slave" - Matalla tells his story

NOUAKCHOTT (Reuters) - Matalla is an adult former slave who escaped two years ago from his nomadic Arab masters in the deserts of north-east Mauritania. He does not know his last name or his age, but appears to be in his 30s or 40s.

A timid, soft-spoken man, who keeps his gaze lowered, he talked to Reuters at the Nouakchott headquarters of SOS-Esclaves (SOS-Slaves), a local anti-slavery group. He spoke in Hassaniya, an Arabic dialect used in Mauritania, via a translator.

Here is his story:

"I was born a slave.

"My masters were a warrior group of Arabs, the Reguibat. I worked as a shepherd of camels. When I was little, I looked after goats. I also made charcoal.

"As far as I know ... all my family, all my ancestors were slaves of that group ... My aunt, my brothers are still slaves with them. I've had no contact with them (since I escaped).

"The life was difficult and the fact that I was a slave made it even more so."

"I was never given any breakfast or lunch. I was allowed to eat the leftovers from the evening meal.

"We were sometimes tied up when we lost animals.