As the sacred Islamic festival of Tabaski draws near, Mali’s capital, Bamako, is witnessing a welcome surge in sheep availability. Livestock now fills boulevards and even football pitches, a significant improvement after deliveries were severely hampered by a blockade imposed by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (Jnim).
The majority of these essential animals arrived in Bamako through convoys meticulously escorted by the Malian army. Tragically, several trucks that attempted the journey without this crucial military protection were set ablaze by jihadist fighters, a grim reality that has significantly driven up the market price of sheep.
insecurity grips the road to Ségou
Since late April, the more than 200-kilometer stretch of National Road 6, connecting Ségou to Bamako, has become a perilous route for travelers and transporters alike. Along this vital artery, Jnim jihadists, an Al-Qaïda affiliate, have been systematically torching both commercial and private vehicles. This destructive campaign is part of their declared “blockade on Bamako,” aimed at isolating the capital.
military efforts to break the blockade
In the lead-up to Tabaski, the Malian army has intensified its operations, launching regular aerial strikes to disrupt the blockade. Additionally, daily patrols and military escorts for convoys are being implemented to secure the sector and ensure the passage of vital goods.
Despite the heightened military presence, armed terrorist groups persist in targeting vehicles transporting sheep. An animal breeder from the Ségou region, who reached Bamako on Monday, shared a harrowing account of his recent journey:
« Near Zambougou, jihadists launched projectiles at our sheep-laden trailer truck. The terrified driver immediately stopped, attempting to save both passengers and animals. Moments later, the assailants completely incinerated the vehicle along with all our belongings inside. From Zambougou, we then walked several dozens of kilometers to Konobougou. The following day, we managed to board a public transport bus, finally reaching Bamako thanks to an army escort between Konobougou and Zantiguila. »
soaring prices for sacrificial sheep
These persistent attacks have led to a dramatic increase in sheep transportation costs, climbing from 2,000 CFA francs within the country’s interior to between 5,000 and 6,000 CFA francs for delivery to Bamako.
Vamory, a family patriarch I encountered, lamented the exorbitant prices. « This sheep you see, » he explained, « could have been bought last year for 125,000 CFA francs. This year, they’re asking 175,000 CFA francs here in the Sans Fil neighborhood. Elsewhere in Bamako, for the exact same animal, you’d have to pay 200,000 or even 250,000 CFA francs. I truly believe the road blockade has significantly contributed to this surge in sheep prices. We pray for the country’s stability. »
government offers promotional sales
To alleviate the financial burden on residents, the government is set to officially launch promotional sheep sales tomorrow, Friday, May 22nd, across the Bamako district.
These initiatives will offer livestock at reduced prices. Designated sites for these special sales include the municipal grounds of Sogoniko, the Hippodrome, and Torokorobougou, as well as the Sahaba ground in Lafiabougou and the former AS Real ground in Badialan I.
