By Sainabou Sambou
As Eid al-Adha approaches, the vibrant ram markets of The Gambia, typically bustling with activity, are experiencing an unprecedented slowdown. High prices, low sales, and rising security concerns cast a shadow over the festive season, frustrating both traders and buyers.
Bass Sankhen, a Senegalese sheep seller who has traveled to The Gambia for five consecutive Eids, described this year’s market as the most disappointing yet. “Last year was far better,” Sankhen said, standing beside his penned rams in a quiet market stall. “This year, the business is not working. The sheep are expensive, and the taxes are too high. I urge the government to reduce taxes so we can lower prices.”
Sankhen’s sentiments resonate across the market, where many sellers, primarily from Senegal, rely on Eid sales to sustain their livelihoods. The combination of high import costs and taxes has made ram prices unaffordable for many Gambians. A medium-sized ram now costs between D21,000 and D38,000 ($300-$550), a sharp increase from previous years.
Alieu Jobe, a Gambian trader who sources sheep from Senegal, noted a marked hesitation among buyers. “People say they don’t have money, or they don’t have space to keep a ram until Eid,” Jobe explained. “Many are waiting until the day before to buy, hoping for lower prices.” His frustration is palpable as the slow market threatens his ability to recoup his investment.
Beyond economic challenges, security concerns are further souring the mood. Jahjerry Bah, another Senegalese trader, spoke of rampant theft plaguing the markets. “Thieves come at night and steal our sheep,” he said, his voice heavy with worry. “If you confront them, they’re ready to fight. I borrowed money to buy these sheep and need to sell them to pay it back. We need security here until the sales are done.” Bah’s plea for increased protection reflects a growing fear among traders, many of whom are not Gambian and feel vulnerable in the face of rising crime.
Buyers, meanwhile, are grappling with sticker shock. The prices stunned Lamin Fofana, who was shopping for a ram for his sister. “I was told D21,000 to D38,000 for sheep that aren’t even big,” he said. “I’ll wait until the day before Eid when prices might drop.” Fofana’s strategy is common, as many buyers delay purchases, hoping for last-minute deals, further slowing sales.
The economic strain extends beyond the market stalls. Another prospective buyer, Abubakar Faye, pointed to the weak Gambian dalasi as a root cause. “Our currency is too weak against the CFA,” Faye said, referencing the stronger West African franc used in Senegal. “The government needs to strengthen the dalasi and enforce a policy to use only our currency in markets as other countries do.” Faye also shared security concerns, noting a recent theft in his neighbor’s compound. “No one feels safe. I’m checking prices early, but I won’t buy until Thursday.”
With Eid just days away, sellers are banking on a last-minute surge in sales to salvage the season. However, high prices, a weakened economy, and security fears have left the market in a precarious state. Both traders and buyers are caught in a cycle of uncertainty, hoping for relief—whether through government intervention, improved security, or a sudden shift in market dynamics. As the holiday nears, the spirit of Eid hangs in the balance, with the ram market reflecting broader challenges facing The Gambia.
