Nouakchott and Dakar have taken a significant step in reinforcing regional cooperation with the signing of a bilateral agreement aimed at ensuring Senegal’s supply of sacrificial sheep for the upcoming Eid al-Adha.
The accord, signed in Nouakchott by Mauritania’s Minister of Livestock, Mokhtar Ould Gaguih, and his Senegalese counterpart, Mabouba Diagne, is designed to streamline the export of sheep from Mauritania to Senegalese markets during this high-demand period.
Under the terms of the agreement, Senegal has committed to easing logistical and regulatory barriers for incoming livestock. This includes waiving customs duties, safeguarding the security of Mauritanian herders and their livestock, and providing essential resources such as fodder and water.
These measures are intended to create a smooth, efficient commercial environment in which sellers can operate freely and fairly during the festive season.
Mauritania, for its part, has pledged to raise awareness among livestock producers and professional bodies, facilitate the issuance of veterinary health certificates for export-bound animals, and ensure the smooth transit of sheep to Senegal. The agreement also follows discussions on broader cooperation between the two nations, as Senegal prepares for a national demand estimated at around 250,000 sheep in 2025.
Senegalese authorities acknowledged the importance of Mauritanian imports, which previously accounted for a substantial share of their 2024 supply, totaling over 800,000 animals.