Algeria’s Massive Sheep Import Plan for Eid al-Adha

In a move to address rising costs and ensure accessibility for its citizens, Algeria has announced plans to import 1 million sheep ahead of Eid al-Adha. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune instructed his ministers to launch the initiative, aiming to stabilize prices and meet the soaring demand for livestock during the holiday. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to ease public frustration over economic challenges and the government’s tightening grip on power.

North Africa is currently grappling with its seventh consecutive year of extreme heat and below-average rainfall, leading to a record drought that has severely impacted agriculture. The scarcity of animal feed has driven up livestock prices, particularly in the northern Algerian highlands, where sheep are highly valued for their quality. This has made the traditional Eid al-Adha sacrifice increasingly unaffordable for many families.

A Tradition Under Pressure

Eid al-Adha, which falls in early June this year, has become a financial burden for many. Last year, sheep prices in some markets soared to 200,000 Algerian dinars ($1,496), ten times the country’s minimum wage. As a result, numerous families have been forced to forgo the tradition in recent years.

To counteract this, the Algerian government has historically played a significant role in the economy, including importing livestock to ensure affordable options for low-income citizens. Last year, the state facilitated the sale of 100,000 sheep sourced from countries like Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and Spain. This year’s plan to import 1 million sheep is unprecedented in scale and reflects the urgency of the situation.

The Ministries of Agriculture and Trade are tasked with securing international sources to meet the target. The initiative is also a response to soaring inflation, which has pushed the cost of basic goods and services, including meat, beyond the reach of many Algerians.

Regional Context and Social Implications

Algeria is not alone in taking preemptive measures ahead of Eid al-Adha. Just ten days before Algeria’s announcement, Morocco’s King issued a letter allowing citizens to forgo the ritual sacrifice, citing the financial burden it places on families.

President Tebboune’s intervention is designed to make the Eid sacrifice more accessible to those who would otherwise be unable to afford it. It is part of a series of government spending policies aimed at calming social unrest while maintaining a firm stance against opposition parties, journalists, and critics of the military-backed government.