Sufficient Onion Supply for Grand Magal Celebration in Touba, Senegal

The Minister of Commerce, Consumer Affairs and SMEs, Abdou Karim Fofana, said that the Touba market is well supplied with onions, two days before the celebration of Grand Magal. He assured that despite some initial concerns, negotiations with Morocco and Holland have allowed the first shipments of onions to be received since August 14.

During a courtesy visit by Prime Minister Amadou Bâ to the Caliph General of the Mourides, the Minister of Commerce and government spokesman pointed out that three shipments of onions, totaling 18 thousand tons, have been received since August 14. He attributed the recent shortage of onions in the market to the impact of climate change on the supply chain.

Currently, the onion is available on the market, but its price remains high, with a 25-kilo bag costing between 18,000 and 18,500 CFA francs in Touba. However, the Minister noted an improvement in the price of onions, which had recently increased.

Abdou Karim Fofana also pointed out that sugar is a product whose price hardly increased between January and August of this year. He explained that India and Morocco have restricted their exports of rice and onions, which is a global context.

Despite this, Senegal is doing well in terms of production, although there is a deficit in storage. The minister said the government is working to resolve this issue. He also assured that all products are available in the Touba market, which welcomes thousands of people on the occasion of Magal, a major religious commemoration.

Finally, the Minister affirmed that there are no difficulties concerning the potato. Although local production is at the end of its cycle, imports will soon be available and there is no risk of a shortage at this time. The 129th edition of the Magal de Touba will be celebrated on Monday, September 4.