As the 2026 Tabaski festival approaches, regional authorities are intensifying preparations to ensure a sufficient supply of sheep throughout the country. According to estimates from the Directorate of Livestock (DIREL), the national need is estimated at nearly 900,000 head, including 12,700 sheep for the Kédougou region, according to the Kédougou Regional Directorate of Livestock and Animal Production (DREPA).

Faced with these ambitious objectives, administrative authorities and stakeholders in the livestock sector are organizing themselves to ensure a celebration under the best conditions, both in terms of supply and safety and hygiene.

A strengthened organization at all levels

To ensure effective coordination, a regional monitoring committee will be established under the authority of the governor. This body will oversee the implementation of decisions made by the Regional Development Committee (CRD). Furthermore, the government circular outlining the organization of Tabaski 2026 will be widely disseminated to involve all stakeholders.

At the departmental level, preparatory technical meetings will be organized by the prefects, while decrees will be issued to define the official sites for sheep sales. The objective is to ensure better market regulation and prevent any chaos in the marketing process.

Financing and support for livestock farmers

The financial aspect is a key lever in this strategy. Authorities are therefore encouraging the recovery of outstanding loans and the preparation of funding applications specifically for Tabaski, in collaboration with financial institutions and support structures.

Particular emphasis is being placed on monitoring already approved projects, especially in Salémata, where 21 projects representing over 38 million FCFA are currently being supported. This initiative aims to support local livestock farmers and strengthen their production capacity.

Better designed and more secure sales sites

The authorities also plan to identify and establish official sales sites. Sales outside these designated areas will be strictly prohibited in order to better manage the flow of goods and ensure transparency in transactions.

These sites will be supplied with livestock feed and will benefit from enhanced security measures through the involvement of the defense and security forces. Access to drinking water and electricity will be ensured, in collaboration with the relevant services and local authorities.

Hygiene, health and sanitation are at the heart of our priorities

Health concerns are central to the preparations. Veterinary services will rigorously monitor the health of animals at points of sale, while health coverage will be put in place for the general population.

Strict hygiene measures will be implemented, including the installation of portable toilets, awareness campaigns on meat safety, and the involvement of hygiene and waste management services. Following the festival, thorough cleaning, disinfection, and site clearance will be carried out.

Capitalizing on the success of 2025

The authorities intend to build on the satisfactory results recorded during Tabaski 2025, marked by an adequate supply of the market and a diversity of prices adapted to the purchasing power of households.

This success, the result of rigorous preparation and effective coordination between the various stakeholders, now serves as a benchmark. The objective for 2026 is clear: to maintain this momentum while strengthening policies supporting the livestock sector.

In Kédougou as elsewhere, all eyes are now on a well-organised, accessible and secure Tabaski for all the population.