In an effort to manage skyrocketing prices and meet the needs of its population, Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has announced an ambitious plan to import one million sheep. This initiative is aimed at ensuring sufficient livestock is available for Eid al-Adha, a significant religious festival marked by the sacrificial offering of sheep among Muslims.
On Sunday, President Tebboune instructed relevant ministries to devise strategies for this large-scale livestock importation. This move reflects a broader governmental attempt to keep essential goods affordable amidst the public’s growing concern over rising costs. It follows previous government actions, like releasing more food staples into the market during Ramadan, aimed at tempering inflationary pressures.
Algeria, like many regions in North Africa, is grappling with its seventh consecutive year of harsh weather, marked by extreme temperatures and scarce rainfall. These climatic challenges have severely impacted agricultural yields and increased the price of animal feed, crucial for raising sheep in the northern highlands — an area known for high-quality livestock.
The Algerian government, known for its pronounced role in the economy, has in the past made efforts to bring livestock from countries like Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and Spain. Last year, the supply of some 100,000 sheep in state-run outlets ensured more affordable purchasing options, which is particularly crucial for low-income families.
Eid al-Adha, occurring in early June this year, holds profound religious significance for Muslims. The festival commemorates the Quranic tale of Prophet Ibrahim’s offered sacrifice, replaced by a sheep by divine intervention. While the tradition is widely honored across Algeria, the costliness of the ritual has become burdensome, with sheep prices reportedly peaking at 200,000 Algerian dinars ($1,496) last year, which many families struggle to afford.
By securing one million sheep, the Algerian government hopes to avert the price surges and shortages that have plagued past celebrations, making this religious observance more accessible for its citizens. Both the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Trade have been tasked with identifying international suppliers to fulfill this import target.
This initiative is crucial, considering socio-economic disparities that often underscore the difficulty for Algerians in meeting everyday needs. The move comes amid heightened awareness of political repercussions tied to escalating food prices, a pattern observed across North Africa.
Notably, Algeria’s plan follows Morocco’s recent decision to lessen the financial strain on its citizens by advising them against undertaking the costly Eid sacrifice. As explained in a public message from King Mohammed VI, the ritual can heavily burden the economically vulnerable, illustrating the region’s shared socio-economic challenges.
President Tebboune’s strategy not only aims to make Eid al-Adha more attainable for Algerian families but also seeks to quell potential public unrest. This development is part and parcel of Algeria’s broader economic and political strategies, which include curbing opposition to the military-endorsed government while attempting to stabilize the economy.
