Muslim families in Bamako, Mali’s capital, found themselves unable to celebrate Eid al-Adha (locally known as Tabaski) with their loved ones this year, as a persistent jihadist blockade tightened its grip around the city.

Alpha Amadou, a 40-year-old resident originally from Mopti in central Mali, was forced to abandon his customary journey home for the significant annual festival.

“For the first time in my thirty years living in Bamako, I will be observing Eid here,” he shared.

Since late April, militants affiliated with Al-Qaeda’s Sahelian branch have established roadblocks on key arteries leading into Bamako. These actions have resulted in the destruction of dozens of buses and cargo trucks, creating a climate of fear across the region.

While the blockade remains partial, vivid images of torched vehicles have severely deterred many transport companies from operating and prevented countless individuals from returning to their home villages for the festivities.

In Mali, Eid al-Adha extends far beyond its religious significance. It represents a crucial social tradition, offering one of the few opportunities for families, often separated for months due to work, to reunite.

However, the usual vibrant activity at Bamako’s bus stations, typically bustling before holidays, has been replaced by an unsettling quiet.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 are we facing a severe diesel shortage to keep our vehicles running, but we have also lost several buses in recent attacks. This has dealt a significant economic blow,” stated the anonymous owner of a local travel agency, speaking on the ground in Mali.

“Normally, we would transport over 50,000 people from Bamako to other regions in the week leading up to Eid al-Adha. This year, we haven’t scheduled a single trip,” added a representative from another transport company.

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.

“It will be my first time in thirty years not celebrating in my village. The road is simply too perilous,” he lamented.

“Previously, about twenty of us would travel together by motorbike to Sikasso (in the south) to celebrate,” Oumar Diarra recalled. “This year, we are all staying in Bamako.”

A few minibuses still manage to navigate into the city, using secondary routes or traveling under military escort, a testament to the challenges facing Sahel current affairs.

Sheep scarcity impacts traditional sacrifice

The disruptions in transport are also severely impeding the livestock trade, which is vital for the traditional Eid al-Adha animal sacrifice.

Due to the blockade, herders and traders are struggling to bring their animals to Bamako, the country’s primary consumer market.

The cost of transporting a single animal, typically ranging from 2,500 to 2,750 CFA francs (around $5), has surged dramatically this year, now costing between 15,000 and 18,000 CFA francs ($26 to $31), according to transporter Alassane Maiga.

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

“Many trucks carrying sheep have been burned by jihadists… Usually, I would have over 1,000 animals, but today, I don’t have a single one,” shared Hama Ba, a Bamako merchant.

“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,” noted Iyi, who was searching for an affordable sheep.

Power outages compound daily struggles

The security crisis continues to infiltrate daily life, as essential services within the city deteriorate.

Bamako is currently grappling with prolonged electricity outages and a severe shortage of potable water, further exacerbating the challenges faced by its residents.