Military escort for Tabaski sheep deliveries to Bamako

As the sacred festival of Tabaski approaches, the streets of Bamako are filled with an unexpected sight: sheep. Vendors display their livestock prominently along boulevards and empty football pitches, a visible sign that the capital’s supply lines are finally open. This reversal comes after weeks of disrupted deliveries caused by militant blockades targeting livestock transports.

securing the supply chain under threat

Most of the livestock now reaching Bamako arrived under heavy military escort. The Malian armed forces have deployed patrols and aerial support to break what armed groups call their “blockade on Bamako.” Despite these efforts, several unescorted convoys have been set ablaze by jihadist fighters from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda-affiliated faction. The attacks have driven up transportation costs and, consequently, the price of sheep across the capital.

a dangerous route from Ségou

The 200-kilometer stretch of National Road 6 between Ségou and Bamako has become a battleground. Since late April, militants have intensified their campaign of arson, torching both commercial and private vehicles. Their stated goal is to disrupt the movement of goods into the capital, severely impacting the availability of essential items—especially livestock for the upcoming festival.

A shepherd from the Ségou region shared his harrowing journey:

« We were transporting sheep near Zambougou when the militants launched projectiles at the truck. The driver stopped immediately to protect the passengers and animals, but the attackers set the entire vehicle ablaze—including our belongings inside. We had no choice but to walk several dozen kilometers to Konobougou. The next day, we boarded a public transport bus, which reached Bamako safely thanks to a military escort between Konobougou and Zantiguila. »

soaring costs and market reactions

Transport fees have skyrocketed from 2,000 CFA francs in rural areas to 5,000 or even 6,000 CFA francs in Bamako. For families preparing to celebrate Tabaski, the financial burden has intensified. One resident, Vamory, expressed his frustration:

« Last year, this sheep cost 125,000 CFA francs. Today, vendors in the Sans Fil neighborhood are asking 175,000 CFA francs. In other parts of Bamako, prices have reached 200,000 to 250,000 CFA francs. The road blockades have clearly driven up costs. We can only hope for peace and stability. »

government responds with price relief

In response to the crisis, authorities have announced a special promotional sale of sheep starting tomorrow. Multiple sites across Bamako will host the event, including Sogoniko municipal grounds, the Hippodrome, Torokorobougou field, Sahaba field in Lafiabougou, and the former home ground of AS Real at Badialan I. The initiative aims to make sheep more affordable for families celebrating Tabaski.