Samba Code Deme (C), originally from Nioro du Sahel in Mali, is a sheep farmer and also acts as the representative for Malian farmers, looks on at at the Sewekhaye livestock market in the commune of Ngoundiane, Thies region, on May 13, 2026. He has lived in Senegal for over 20 years and currently owns around 160 sheep. He describes a very difficult situation for Malian herders, who are struggling to reach Senegal due to the security crisis raging in Mali. It is very difficult to find transporters willing to make the journey due to the numerous attacks on the roads in Mali leading to Senegal. Furthermore, the price of animal feed has risen sharply, from 8,000 CFA francs to nearly 20,000 CFA francs per bag. This price increase is reflected in the price of sheep. With just two weeks to go before Tabaski (the major Muslim festival), the sheep he used to sell for 150,000200,000 CFA francs he is now forced to sell for between 350,000 and 400,000 CFA francs. It is therefore becoming increasingly difficult for him to sell his sheep. (Photo by NICOLAS REMENE / Nicolas REMENE /AFP / AFP via Getty Images)