Mauritanian sheep vendor loses 25M CFA to thieves in Senegal

Jun 9, 2025, 10:54 AM

According to the Senegalese news website Senego, a major theft occurred on Friday, June 6, at the livestock market in Rufisque, Senegal, just ahead of the Tabaski festival on Saturday.

Cherif Assanet Aidara, a Mauritanian sheep vendor, had 25 million CFA francs (over $40,000) stolen from his bag while performing his afternoon prayers. The merchant, who had set up at the market for the seasonal trade, had left his satchel beside him as usual when the thieves struck.

Police have arrested two suspects - A.A. Sylla, a coffee vendor, and M. Diouf, a charcoal seller - who are accused of stealing the bag and handing it to a third accomplice who fled with the money. Both men are currently in custody as investigators continue searching for the main perpetrator and working to recover the stolen funds.

The incident left Aidara empty-handed after what had promised to be a successful trading season ahead of the Islamic holiday.

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