Mali army secures sheep shipments ahead of Tabaski celebrations

As Tabaski approaches, Bamako is experiencing a surge in sheep availability, with animals now visible in markets, along boulevards, and even on football pitches. This marks a significant shift from previous weeks when deliveries were disrupted by blockades imposed by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM).

The Malian military has played a crucial role in this turnaround, providing armed escorts for livestock convoys en route to the capital. However, not all shipments have been fortunate—several unprotected trucks have been torched by jihadist fighters, driving up sheep prices across the city.

Dangerous transit on the Ségou-Bamako route

The Ségou-Bamako highway, stretching over 200 kilometers along National Road 6, has become a high-risk zone in recent weeks. Since late April, JNIM-affiliated jihadists—aligned with Al-Qaeda—have been systematically burning transport vehicles and private cars, enforcing what they term a “blockade on Bamako.”

Military countermeasures against jihadist blockades

In the lead-up to Tabaski, the Malian army has intensified its operations to break the blockade. Aerial strikes, daily patrols, and armed escorts for commercial convoys are now routine, aimed at securing the route and ensuring the safe passage of goods. Despite these efforts, armed groups continue to target livestock transporters, as one shepherd from the Ségou region recounted upon arriving in Bamako:

« Near Zambougou, jihadists launched projectiles at our livestock trailer. The terrified driver stopped to evacuate passengers and animals. Within minutes, the attackers set the entire vehicle ablaze, including the cargo inside. We were forced to walk several dozen kilometers to Konobougou, then took a bus to Bamako—thanks to the military escort between Konobougou and Zantiguila. »

Soaring sheep prices due to transport disruptions

The repeated attacks have drastically increased transport costs for sheep, pushing prices from 2,000 CFA francs in rural areas to between 5,000 and 6,000 CFA francs upon arrival in Bamako.

A local resident named Vamory shared his frustration: « Last year, this same sheep cost 125,000 CFA francs. Now, vendors in the Sans Fil district are asking 175,000 CFA francs. In other parts of Bamako, prices have reached 200,000 or even 250,000 CFA francs. The road blockades have clearly driven up costs. We pray for stability in our country. »

Government steps in with discounted sheep sales

To ease the financial burden on families ahead of Tabaski, the government will launch a promotional sale of sheep this Friday, May 22, in Bamako District. The discounted livestock will be available at multiple municipal sites, including Sogoniko grounds, the Hippodrome, Torokorobougou, Sahaba field in Lafiabougou, and the former AS Real pitch in Badialan I.