Tabaski 2026: How Burkina Faso Caught Ivory Coast Off Guard

On May 8, 2026, Burkina Faso suspended all cattle exports, severely impacting Ivory Coast, which needs 172,000 heads for Tabaski. This decision aims to ensure the availability of cattle in the Burkinabe market but leaves Ivory Coast reliant on Sahelian imports, particularly from Mali and Niger. Ivorian operators are seeing a 10% price increase due to the impending shortage, exacerbated by insecurity in the region.