Senegal's Tabaski 2025: A Sheep Market Story of High Demand and Government Intervention

Senegal Prepares for Tabaski 2025: High Demand and Government Measures Dakar, Senegal – The upcoming Tabaski celebrations in Senegal are generating significant activity in the livestock markets. The annual festival, a major event in the Senegalese Muslim calendar, requires a large supply of sheep. This year, the demand is particularly high, leading to increased prices and preparations by both vendors and the government. "The prices depend on the client," explains Khoulame Kane, a sheep farmer, interviewed at a bustling market in Dakar. "I have sheep that cost between 200,000 and 150,000 CFA francs, but others can cost 2 million or 1.5 million CFA francs." To address the anticipated demand of 830,000 sheep, the Senegalese government has taken steps to increase supply and ensure the smooth running of the festival. These measures include importing sheep from neighboring countries and providing tax relief to farmers. The Minister of Livestock, M. Aboubacar Gaye, recently visited Mauritania to coordinate importations. Another vendor, Mao, highlights the preparations made by vendors: "We've practically set up tents to be able to sleep here and watch over the livestock." The government's intervention is seen as crucial to ensuring a successful Tabaski, allowing both vendors and consumers to participate in the festival without significant challenges.