Hiiraan Online
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
MOGADISHU (HOL) ----At animal markets in the Somali capital, a festive mood is raging as people are making hectic preparations for the upcoming Muslims’ Eid-Aldha which is expected to start on Thursday.
Muslims around the world make feasts and sacrifices during the three day-long festive days with demands for slaughter animals are upswing, jumping from their usual market prices during the non-festive seasons to the peak.
“The Eid is almost here, and the prices are a lot higher than before,” said Yasin Mohamed, an livestock merchant at a Mogadishu market.
The tubby camel prices range from $1000-$1500 per head on Monday with goats go for $80-$100, according to animal merchants.
In addition, animal farms see an increase in demands for market animals with thousands of animal herders flocked into market with animals for sale.
Meanwhile, Somalia’s animal merchants are exporting thousands of animals to Gulf States, mainly Saudi Arabia and Oman, making it difficult for many middle-class families to buy animals for Eid feasts because of the fluctuations.
Nevertheless, Somali markets are in general experiencing money-spinning days with families are making last minute shopping for the festival days they are eagerly waiting to observe.