As Mali prepares to celebrate the Tabaski festival, the capital Bamako is seeing an influx of sheep—many of which arrived under military escort. This surge in livestock supply marks a shift from previous challenges, when deliveries were frequently disrupted by blockades linked to armed groups operating in the region.
While the army has intensified efforts to secure key transport routes, several unescorted convoys have fallen victim to deliberate arson attacks, driving up costs for consumers in Bamako.
security challenges on the Ségou-Bamako route
The 200-kilometer National Road 6, connecting Ségou to Bamako, has become a high-risk corridor. Since late April, convoys and private vehicles traveling this stretch have been targeted by militants affiliated with Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), who enforce what they describe as a blockade on the capital. These attacks have extended beyond livestock transport, affecting all civilian traffic.
military response to break the blockade
In anticipation of Tabaski, the Malian armed forces have stepped up aerial operations and deployed ground patrols to dismantle militant strongholds and restore safe passage. Military escorts now accompany livestock convoys to Bamako, reducing but not eliminating the risk of ambushes.
A shepherd from Ségou, who arrived in Bamako on Monday, shared his harrowing experience:
« Near Zambougou, armed assailants hurled incendiary devices at our livestock trailer. The driver halted to protect passengers and animals, but the attackers set the entire vehicle ablaze—along with our belongings. We walked from Zambougou to Konobougou, a distance of several dozen kilometers. The next day, we boarded a public transport vehicle, which was part of a military-protected convoy from Konobougou to Zantiguila. »
soaring prices due to disrupted supply chains
Due to the ongoing violence, transportation costs for sheep have surged. Prices have jumped from 2,000 CFA francs in rural areas to between 5,000 and 6,000 CFA francs in Bamako. A local resident buying a sheep for the holiday highlighted the financial strain:
« Last year, this sheep cost 125,000 CFA francs. Now, vendors in the Sans Fil neighborhood 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’re praying for peace and stability. »
government steps in with subsidized livestock sales
To ease the burden on families preparing for Tabaski, the government will launch a subsidized sheep sale program on Friday across multiple locations in Bamako. Designated sale sites include Sogoniko municipal grounds, the hippodrome, Torokorobougou, the Sahaba ground in Lafiabougou, and the former AS Real stadium in Badialan I. The initiative aims to provide accessible livestock at reduced prices during the festive period.
