The answer to the written question posed by parliamentarian Guy Marius Sagna regarding the situation of the donkey species and the two donkeys slaughtered in Ndiayène Mbeuleup was revealed this Tuesday.

The Minister of Agriculture, Sovereignty and Livestock (MASAE), Mabouba Diagne, made public the information note from the Regional Directorate of Livestock (DREPA) of Kaffrine concerning the two donkeys slaughtered in Ndiayène Mbeuleup (department of Birkilane).

“On Sunday, June 29, 2025, an alert was received concerning the discovery of two donkeys that had been slaughtered and skinned near the village of Ndiayène Mbeuleup. Informed by the village chief, we went to the site with the local authorities. There, it was observed that the carcasses had been moved to an old, abandoned quarry, located approximately 300 meters from the village. The chosen location and the method used suggest an attempt at concealment. After skinning the two donkeys, the perpetrators buried some of the carcasses from the fifth quarter in the quarry rubble,” reported the director of DREPA, Moustapha Dione.

Before continuing, he added: “The remainder was reportedly taken to unknown recipients. According to information gathered on the ground, the presence of individuals of Chinese nationality working in the nearby quarry was reported. Some believe they may have purchased or consumed the carcasses for their own use. However, the most worrying hypothesis is that of the possible fraudulent introduction of this meat into sales channels, particularly the weekly markets in the area, which would represent a major health risk.”

Regarding the donkey population, according to data from the latest census in 2023, it stands at 946,543 head, according to Minister Mabouba Diagne. He indicated that these animals play an important role in agriculture, pastoralism, and transportation. Therefore, he stated, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MASAE) is committed to sparing no effort in preserving the donkey species.