As Tabaski approaches, Bamako is bustling with sheep, filling markets and street corners. The sudden abundance marks a shift from earlier shortages caused by blockades linked to extremist threats. Livestock traders report that most of the animals now arrive in well-protected convoys, a direct response to ongoing security risks along key supply routes.
However, not all shipments have been spared. Several trucks traveling without military escort have been set ablaze by unidentified assailants, driving up market prices for sheep across the capital. The rise in transport costs—from 2,000 to 5,000 or even 6,000 West African CFA francs—has further inflated the final retail price for families preparing for the holiday.
escalating violence on the segou-Bamako route
The 200-kilometer stretch of National Road 6 connecting Ségou to Bamako has become a flashpoint. Since late April, convoys and private vehicles alike have been targeted by armed groups claiming to enforce a blockade on Bamako. Witnesses describe ambushes where projectiles are launched at moving trucks, forcing drivers to abandon their cargo before fleeing on foot. One shepherd from Ségou recounted how his convoy was attacked near Zambougou:
« Djihadists threw objects at our trailer carrying sheep. The driver stopped to protect passengers and livestock, but the attackers set the entire vehicle ablaze—including personal belongings inside. We walked for hours to Konobougou, then took a bus under army escort to Bamako the next day. »
military response and counter-blockade efforts
In response, Malian armed forces have intensified aerial strikes and deployed daily patrols to clear the road. Military escorts now accompany livestock convoys, though risks remain high. Despite these measures, several shipments have still been intercepted, demonstrating the persistent threat posed by armed factions.
government steps in with discounted sales
To ease the financial burden on households, authorities have announced a special sale of sheep at reduced prices beginning Friday, May 22. The initiative will take place across multiple sites in Bamako, including Sogoniko municipal grounds, the hippodrome, Torokorobougou, Sahaba field in Lafiabougou, and the former AS Real training ground in Badialan I. Officials aim to stabilize supply and make Tabaski celebrations more affordable for families.
