With the Tabaski festival approaching, the administrative authorities of the Thiès region are already working to ensure a sufficient supply of sheep. During the preparatory regional development committee (CRD) meeting held this Friday, the deputy governor, Ababacar Sadikh Niang, announced an ambitious target of 230,000 sheep for the 2026 edition.

Satisfied with the progress of the Tabaski 2025 operation, the deputy governor outlined the main guidelines for the next edition. Twenty sales points have been identified across the region, including 13 weekly markets and 7 daily markets. Daily monitoring will be implemented to ensure a regular supply to the markets.

From a security standpoint, significant measures are planned. In collaboration with the police and the gendarmerie, a special operation will be deployed from May 11 to 27, 2026 to secure sales points and combat livestock theft, a recurring phenomenon that worries farmers.

In addition, the authorities are announcing several support measures, including: improved lighting at sales sites, the installation of temporary water points, and enhanced hygiene in public spaces.

According to the deputy governor, the state also plans to provide 470 tons of livestock feed to support ranchers in the region, while calling on mayors to play an active role in the organization.

However, despite these efforts, several major challenges remain. Livestock farmers emphasized the lack of a livestock market in the city of Thiès, a situation that could further complicate the organization of the event, especially given the reduction in sales space due to roadworks. Added to this are the high cost of livestock feed and storage difficulties.

In response to these concerns, local authorities are seeking to reassure the public. They have pledged to strengthen security around points of sale and to involve local stakeholders more closely in a monitoring and alert system.

Ababacar Sadikh Niang announced that the decrees setting the official points of sale are expected no later than April 20, 2026, marking a key step in the preparations.

Despite the constraints, the authorities of the Thiès region are showing their determination to make the Tabaski 2026 operation a success, by relying on better organization and strong mobilization of all stakeholders.