Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has announced plans to import 1 million sheep in preparation for this year’s Eid al-Adha, a major religious observance for Muslims. The move is designed to stabilize the price of sheep, which has risen sharply in recent years, and ensure that more Algerians can afford to participate in the ritual sacrifice.
The announcement comes in the wake of ongoing economic challenges facing Algeria, including soaring food prices and public dissatisfaction over the government’s handling of the economy. In recent years, extreme weather conditions, including severe heat and drought that have lasted for seven consecutive years, have severely impacted local sheep production, leading to a shortage in supply. This shortfall has driven prices to unaffordable levels for many citizens.
Last year, the high cost of sheep caused widespread frustration, with many Algerians unable to afford the animals needed for the Eid al-Adha sacrifice. This year’s import plan is aimed at alleviating this burden and ensuring that the tradition can be upheld by families across the country, without the financial strain.
Eid al-Adha, which is expected to take place in early June, is one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God’s command. However, according to Islamic tradition, God intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed in Ismail’s place. As a result, Muslims around the world slaughter sheep or other livestock during the holiday as a symbol of Ibrahim’s devotion and obedience.
The Algerian government’s decision to import sheep is part of a broader series of measures intended to ease public frustration over rising living costs, which have been exacerbated by both local and global economic challenges. With the imported sheep expected to help lower prices, authorities hope to restore public confidence and allow more people to partake in the annual celebration.
Officials have not yet confirmed where the sheep will be sourced from, but the government has emphasized that it will monitor the quality of the imported livestock to ensure it meets local standards and is affordable for the public.
As Eid al-Adha approaches, many Algerians are hopeful that the government’s import strategy will provide relief from the financial strain that has made celebrating the holiday increasingly difficult in recent years.
