Malians recently observed a truly exceptional Eid al-Adha (known locally as Tabaski). Following the sophisticated assault on April 25th, an event that profoundly destabilized the military government and tragically claimed the life of Defense Minister Sadio Camara, the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM) had ominously threatened a “final assault” on Bamako, aiming to overthrow the ruling junta.

Jihadist factions frequently choose Islamic holidays for their military operations, driven by a conviction that such actions garner them greater divine favor.

This year, the cost of sheep for sacrifice proved prohibitive for most households, both in urban centers and rural areas, primarily due to relentless pressure from armed groups. In the countryside, these groups either levy a portion of the livestock as a form of taxation or outright seize entire herds for illicit resale. In Bamako, they imposed a city-wide boycott—a tactic previously employed in Burkina Faso and other Malian localities. While not entirely watertight, as Malian security forces forcefully maintain access to most major routes, this boycott undeniably cast a somber mood over the residents of Bamako.

Exorbitant prices were also observed in Niamey, the capital of Niger, which has been grappling with incessant attacks in its western regions—traditionally vital for livestock supply—perpetrated by both GSIM and the Islamic State in the Sahel. These two formidable groups have recently targeted several military and civilian positions, resulting in numerous casualties. They exploited the strategic vacuum created by the Nigerien army’s redeployment further north, as part of the planned offensive to recapture Kidal.