Bamako’s tabaski festivities disrupted by jihadist blockade

Muslims in Bamako, Mali’s capital, found themselves encircled by a jihadist blockade, forcing many to spend Eid al-Adha, locally known as Tabaski, far from their families this year. The security situation significantly curtailed traditional celebrations.

Alpha Amadou, a 40-year-old originally from Mopti in central Mali, had to abandon his customary journey home for the major holiday. “For the first time in three decades living in Bamako, I will be celebrating Eid here this year,” he shared.

Since late April, militants affiliated with Al-Qaïda’s Sahel branch have established roadblocks on key arteries leading into Bamako, resulting in the burning of dozens of passenger buses and commercial trucks. While the blockade remains partial, vivid images of torched vehicles have deterred many transport services from operating and travelers from venturing to their home villages.

In Mali, the observance of Eid al-Adha transcends religious ritual, serving as 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However, the usual vibrant activity at Bamako’s bus terminals, typically bustling before holidays, has been replaced by an unsettling quiet. Beyond the pervasive insecurity, widespread fuel shortages have further crippled the transport sector.

“Not only do we lack diesel to continue operations, but we’ve also lost buses in recent attacks. Economically, this is a devastating blow,” stated the owner of a local travel agency, who preferred to remain anonymous.

Another transport company executive added, “Normally, we would transport over 50,000 people from Bamako to other regions within a week for Eid al-Adha. This year, we have no scheduled trips whatsoever.”

For Wara Bagayoko, the ritual was always consistent: load the family car and head to Ségou, in central Mali, for a collective celebration. This time, however, he will remain in Bamako, as even private vehicles have become targets on the roads.

“This will be the first time in thirty years I won’t celebrate in my village. The road is simply too dangerous,” he recounted.

Oumar Diarra echoed similar sentiments: “Before, about twenty of us would travel together by motorcycle to Sikasso, in the south, to celebrate. This year, we’re all staying in Bamako.”

A few minibuses still manage to navigate into the city, often by utilizing less-traveled secondary routes or under military escort, a testament to the extreme measures required for travel.

Sheep scarcity impacts celebrations

The disruptions in transport have also severely hampered the livestock trade, which is vital for the traditional sacrifice during Eid al-Adha. Due to the ongoing blockade, herders and traders face immense challenges in bringing their animals to Bamako, the nation’s primary consumer market.

Alassane Maiga, a transporter, revealed that the cost of transporting a single animal, typically ranging from 2,500 to 2,750 CFA francs (around $5), has skyrocketed this year to between 15,000 and 18,000 CFA francs (approximately $26 to $31).

Consequently, sheep are both rare and significantly more expensive in a country where the monthly minimum wage stands at just 40,000 CFA francs.

“Many trucks carrying sheep have been set ablaze by jihadists… I would usually have over 1,000 animals, but today, I don’t have a single one,” lamented Hama Ba, a Bamako-based merchant.

Iyi, who was searching for an affordable sheep, expressed his frustration: “Sheep we once bought for 75,000 francs are now selling for 300,000. Before, there was an abundance of choice, but today, they have almost vanished from Bamako.”

Worsening public services

The persistent security crisis is increasingly infiltrating daily life, leading to the deterioration of essential services across the city. Bamako is currently grappling with prolonged electricity outages and a severe shortage of potable water, compounding the hardships faced by its residents.