Eid celebrations in Senegal overshadowed by coronavirus pandemic

The majority of the Senegalese population will on Sunday be celebrating the feast of the end of Ramadan, or feast of Aid El Fitr. However, because of the coronavirus pandemic, opinions on the festivities are divided.

Some are concerned about a turnover which is likely to fall sharply, this is the case of Lamine Diop, a young poultry farmer based in the suburbs of Dakar where he has worked for five years.

"There's a big difference between this year and last year. The context created by the coronavirus has had a big impact in our field, for example on the 28th day of Ramadan, we still have unsold products," he said.

Ifra Djiby Sow is the president of an association of breeders in the Dakar region and is anxious about the virus spreading.

In the Senegalese tradition, on the feast of Aid El Fitr, families buy an ox which they share equally; but maintaining this tradition goes against the advice of health experts.

"We are very afraid. If it were in our power, people would not share the meat here, because the disease is getting worse and people are forced to come together if they are sharing", Sow said.

The majority of group prayers due to be held on Sunday have been cancelled and people have been asked to pray with their families at home instead.