Nouakchott has committed to delivering over 450,000 sheep to Dakar, a crucial agreement for West Africa news. This vital livestock influx addresses Senegal’s traditional supply deficit, exacerbated by the ongoing security challenges in Mali, a historical provider of livestock to the nation.
Mauritania is also poised to fulfill a portion of Côte d’Ivoire’s Tabaski sheep requirements, a decision similarly influenced by the evolving sub-regional security landscape.
Alioune Kane, a technical expert with the National Grouping of Pastoral Associations (GNAP), clarified that an existing protocol has been renewed. He noted, «Historically, Mauritanian herders exported between 460,000 and 500,000 sheep to Senegal. However, this year, this quota is expected to rise significantly due to the ongoing insecurity in Mali», a territory through which herders from eastern regions typically traversed to reach Senegal. This reflects a critical aspect of the African economy today.
Kane further revealed that many Mauritanian herders have already entered Senegalese territory, making their way to Dakar and other major urban centers. He emphasized that «the Senegalese government has pledged to implement all necessary security, administrative, customs, and sanitary measures» to ensure the smooth execution of the Tabaski operation. This demonstrates strong pan-African news cooperation.
Baba Hassan Sidi, a GNAP official in the Néma region, recalled a time when «there was no insecurity in Mali, and Mauritanian herders from regions like Néma and Aïoun would pass through its territory to enter Senegal».
For this year, however, herders must navigate an alternative, secure route to Senegal, «involving a river crossing from the Trarza region to enter Senegalese territory». This new corridor will significantly extend the truck journey for livestock originating from the eastern regions.
Sidi highlighted that «many herders are already in Senegal, operating under an agreement that upholds the long-standing historical ties between the peoples of Mauritania and Senegal». This ongoing collaboration is a testament to resilient regional trade in West Africa news.
