Muslim communities in Mali’s capital, Bamako, found themselves forced to observe Eid al-Adha, locally known as Tabaski, separated from their loved ones this year, a direct consequence of the jihadist blockade encircling the city.
Alpha Amadou, a 40-year-old resident originally from Mopti in central Mali, had to abandon his customary journey home for this significant annual festivity.
“For the first time in my three decades living in Bamako, I will be celebrating Eid right here this year,” he shared, reflecting on the unusual circumstances.
Since late April, militants affiliated with Al-Qaïda’s Sahelian branch have established roadblocks along key routes leading into Bamako. This campaign of disruption has involved the burning of dozens of buses and cargo trucks, creating a climate of fear.
While the blockade remains partial, vivid images of torched vehicles have effectively deterred many transport services from operating and discouraged travelers from attempting to return to their ancestral villages.
In Mali, the observance of Eid al-Adha transcends mere religious ritual; it stands as a cornerstone of society Africa, a crucial social tradition. It represents one of the rare opportunities for families, often dispersed for months due to work, to reunite and strengthen their bonds.
However, the usual vibrant activity at Bamako’s bus stations, typically bustling before holidays, has been replaced by an unsettling silence. Beyond the pervasive insecurity, the transport sector has also grappled with severe fuel shortages.
“Not only are we struggling with a lack of diesel to keep our vehicles running, but we’ve also suffered the loss of buses in recent attacks. This is a devastating economic blow,” stated the proprietor of a local travel agency, who requested anonymity.
“Ordinarily, we would transport over 50,000 people from Bamako to various regions in the week leading up to Eid al-Adha. This year, we haven’t scheduled a single trip,” added an official from another major transport company, underscoring the unprecedented paralysis.
For Wara Bagayoko, the tradition involved loading up the family car and heading to Ségou, in central Mali, for a collective celebration. This year, he will remain in Bamako, as even private vehicles have become targets.
“This will be the first time in thirty years I won’t celebrate in my village. The road is simply too perilous,” he lamented.
“In the past, about twenty of us would travel together by motorcycle to Sikasso in the south to celebrate,” recounted Oumar Diarra. “This year, we are staying put in Bamako.”
A few minibuses still manage to navigate into the city, either by using obscure secondary routes or by traveling under military escort, a testament to the risks involved.
Scarcity of sacrificial sheep
The widespread transport disruptions have also severely hampered the livestock trade, which is absolutely vital for the traditional sacrifice of Eid al-Adha.
Due to the blockade, herders and merchants face immense difficulties in bringing their animals to Bamako, the nation’s primary consumer market.
The cost of transporting a single animal, typically ranging from 2,500 to 2,750 CFA francs (around 5 US dollars), has skyrocketed this year to between 15,000 and 18,000 CFA francs (26 to 31 US dollars), according to transporter Alassane Maiga.
Consequently, sheep are now scarce and significantly more expensive in a country where the monthly minimum wage is a mere 40,000 CFA francs.
“Numerous trucks carrying sheep have been set ablaze by jihadists… Normally, I would have over 1,000 animals, but today, I don’t have a single one,” shared Hama Ba, a Bamako-based merchant.
“Sheep that we once purchased for 75,000 francs are now selling for 300,000. Before, there was an abundance of choice, but now, they have almost vanished from Bamako,” explained Iyi, who was desperately searching for an affordable sheep.
Power outages compound woes
The ongoing security crisis is increasingly permeating daily life, as essential services within the city continue to deteriorate. Bamako is currently grappling with prolonged electricity blackouts and a severe shortage of potable water, further exacerbating the challenges faced by its residents amidst this period of African politics and societal strain.
