Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko issued a circular on April 15, 2024, consulted by SENEGAO, regarding preparations for the Tabasqui festival. The document, addressed to various ministries, emphasizes that the President of the Republic has instructed the Government to take specific measures to guarantee the successful organization of this major event.
According to the circular, the main objective is to effectively respond to the high demand for sheep during this period. To do this, the government is relying on mobilizing national supplies and imports from neighboring countries, particularly Mali and Mauritania. To facilitate these operations, a number of measures will be implemented from April 19 to August 2, 2024. These include relaxation of controls on trucks and vehicles transporting sheep to Senegal, exemption from duties and taxes on sheep destined for Tabaqui. Also each truck is authorized to carry three shepherds responsible for monitoring the animals.
Prime Minister Sonko also recalled the importance of strict compliance with health, hygiene and safety standards in accordance with Decree No. 2002-1094 of 4 November 2002 relating to the health policy of domestic animals. He therefore invites the concerned Ministries to sincerely monitor the application of these instructions to ensure optimal progress of operations.
Recipients of this circular include several key government figures, such as the Ministers of African Unity, Armed Forces, Interior, Finance and Budget, Infrastructure and Land Transport, Industry and Commerce, Urban Planning, Health and Social Action, as well as Agriculture.