Morocco suspends sheep sacrifice for Tabaski amid ongoing drought

MOROCCO – Morocco will not hold the traditional sheep sacrifice for Tabaski in 2025 due to the worsening drought, following a decision by King Mohammed VI.

In a statement issued on February 27, the king called on Moroccans to forgo the annual ritual, which is central to the Eid al-Adha celebrations scheduled for June 6.

The country’s livestock sector is struggling to meet the demand for sacrificial animals, as prolonged drought conditions have reduced the number of sheep and goats available.

The last time Morocco imposed a similar restriction was in 1996 during the reign of King Hassan II, after severe drought conditions led to a decline in the national herd.

This year, the government cited comparable concerns, pointing to a significant drop in livestock numbers and rising feed costs as key reasons for the measure.

The announcement comes a few days after the government announced on 20 February that Morocco is set to receive 100,000 sheep from Australia following an agreement between the two nations, 

Officials stated that the initiative is intended to boost the domestic red meat supply, which has been under strain due to a decline in livestock numbers. 

The country has one of the highest red meat consumption rates in Africa, with an annual per capita intake of 17 kilograms. 

However, prolonged drought has significantly impacted local production, prompting authorities to seek alternative sources to stabilise the market.

Severe drought impacts livestock supply

Morocco’s livestock sector has faced continuous challenges for the past six years, with limited rainfall affecting grazing lands and pushing up the price of animal feed.

Government figures from early 2025 show that the country has lost 38% of its sheep and cattle population since 2016, making it difficult to sustain production.

Each year, between five and eight million sheep and goats are slaughtered for Tabaski, a practice that would put further strain on an already weakened livestock sector if allowed to continue in 2025.

To address shortages, the government included provisions in its 2025 finance bill to import 720,000 sheep and goats, an effort aimed at supplementing domestic supply.

Authorities have expanded sourcing options and, for the first time, are importing animals from Australia, in addition to existing suppliers.

With drought conditions persisting and livestock numbers declining, Morocco is prioritizing conservation efforts over tradition, marking a significant shift in how the country manages its agricultural challenges.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.