With the Tabaski festival just a week away, administrative authorities in Saint-Louis are intensifying their field visits to ensure the smooth operation of the sheep supply process. The regional governor, Al Hassane Sall, toured the main livestock markets in Saint-Louis. Accompanied by the prefect of Saint-Louis and the head of the departmental livestock service, the regional executive visited the largest livestock market, located in the commune of Rao.

 

This field visit aimed to assess the conditions of arrival and reception of operators, particularly those from Mauritania, who heavily supply Senegalese markets with livestock as Tabaski approaches.

According to the governor, the operation is part of the ongoing efforts undertaken since the previous year to ensure the smooth running of the sales campaign.

 

"I would like to give thanks to God, who has allowed us, after a year of operation in 2025, to meet again in 2026 on this same site which serves as a livestock market," he said, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Saint-Louis site in the national sheep supply system.

 

"The authorities emphasized the security measures put in place. The gendarmerie was mobilized to secure the peripheral roads and the areas where trucks arrived, particularly from the border posts of Rosso, Diama and Médina Ndiadjbé, before redistribution to Rao and other inland markets.

 

"In the city, the police are taking over to ensure a calm atmosphere for all operators, whether they are Mauritanian, Senegalese or of other nationalities," the governor reassured.

 

Enhanced infrastructure to streamline operations

 

In accordance with directives from the central authorities, several amenities have been installed at the sales sites. Electricity and lighting have been improved, while access to running water ensures that livestock can be watered.

 

The governor also highlighted the availability of subsidized livestock feed, a measure intended to support farmers and promote a better supply on the market.

 

According to him, these measures aim to guarantee "a massive influx of sheep and competitive prices to allow households to obtain their animals under good conditions."

 

A slight decrease in arrivals, but no major cause for concern

 

In terms of figures, the authorities noted a slight decrease in arrivals compared to the previous year. One week before the festival, approximately 12,000 sheep had been registered, compared to more than 14,000 at the same time in 2025.

 

However, the governor sought to reassure the public. He explained the situation by pointing to several factors, including logistical conditions and trade dynamics involving Mauritania, which have slightly slowed truck traffic this year.

 

Despite this, the authorities believe that the supply remains sufficient to cover demand, thanks also to the involvement of local operators.

 

 

Beyond the figures, administrative officials are confident about the market's stability. The continued influx of livestock and the mobilization of local stakeholders should allow them to meet national demand, particularly in major consumption areas such as Louga, Thiès, and Dakar.

 

"We have no concerns, as the market is already well supplied and will continue to be so," the governor assured, emphasizing the complementarity between Mauritanian and national operators.

 

At this stage, regional authorities believe that all the conditions are in place to ensure a peaceful Tabaski, both logistically and in terms of security.

 

For Al Hassane Sall and his services, the objective remains clear: to guarantee a fluid market, accessible prices and a secure climate for all actors involved in this nationwide operation.