As Ramadan commences, Muslim communities gear up for a month of prayer, fasting, and communal sharing while grappling with economic and budgetary concerns. Here’s a glimpse into three African countries.
In Ivory Coast, the Muslim community’s fasting period commences this Monday. In Abidjan, several faithful individuals pool resources to prepare for breaking the fast together, aiming not just for a communal meal but also to alleviate financial burdens. Issiaka Salif, a resident of Cocody, has been actively involved in this initiative for several years.
“We all contribute to preparing meals for at least 32 people. For Ramadan, we pool 5000 CFA francs to cover juices, hibiscus drinks, sugar… We contribute enough to share amongst ourselves. Additionally, we collect at least 2000 CFA francs each week to cover food expenses, ensuring that we eat, drink, and pray together. If someone is financially constrained, we chip in to assist them. This practice allows us to strengthen bonds through shared meals and prayers,” explains Issiaka Salif in an interview with our correspondent, Bineta Diagne.
In Guinea, like in the entire sub-region, concerns over the prices of essential goods arise as Ramadan commences on Tuesday. In Conakry, representatives from the Union of Consumers and the Chamber of Commerce convened on Sunday, March 10, and decided on price reductions, particularly for sugar and chicken.
Ousmane Keita, the President of the Union of Consumers in Guinea, welcomes these decisions and urges merchants to adhere to the set prices. “There’s a glimmer of hope that we can enter this Ramadan month with relatively affordable prices. As each fasting month approaches, whether it’s Christian Lent or Ramadan, we all worry that prices may become unaffordable for consumers. However, in Guinea, stakeholders have engaged in initial discussions, proposing price ceilings for rice and essential commodities,” he articulates in an interview with Guillaume Thibault.
This proactive approach in Ivory Coast and Guinea showcases the resilience of communities in navigating economic challenges during religious observances. As the faithful embark on this sacred journey, they not only seek spiritual fulfillment but also demonstrate solidarity and compassion towards one another, echoing the essence of Ramadan’s teachings.