Highlights: In Ivory Coast, fasting begins this Monday for the Muslim community. In Guinea, as in the entire sub-region, the level of prices of basic foodstuffs is worrying. In the Comoros too, the excitement of Ramadan is starting to be felt, reports our correspondent in Moroni, Abdallah Mzembaba. This month of increased practice of religion and joy of sharing will also be an opportunity for the newlyweds to celebrate their union in a whirlwind of traditions, reports RFI's Bineta Diagne.

As Ramadan begins, Muslim communities are preparing for this month of prayer, fasting and sharing, while facing economic and budgetary concerns. Overview…

In several African countries, the start of Ramadan between sharing, tradition and budget problems

As Ramadan begins, Muslim communities are preparing for this month of prayer, fasting and sharing, while facing economic and budgetary concerns.

Overview of three African countries.

Muslims perform Friday prayers at the central mosque in Lagos, Nigeria, March 8, 2024. (Illustrative image).

By: RFI Follow

Ivory Coast

, fasting begins this Monday for the Muslim community.

In Abidjan, several faithful work together to prepare for the breaking of the fast as a group: the idea is to share food together, around a friendly moment but also financially.

An initiative in which Issiaka Salif, a resident of Cocody, has been involved for several years.

“

We all pay together to cook for at least 32 people.
For Ramadan we contribute 5000 CFA francs, we pay for juice, bissap, sugar... We pay enough to share between us.
In another week, we contribute at least 2000 FCFA to pay for food, to eat together, to do everything together.
Whoever doesn't have enough means, if we pay him a little, we can give it to him.
It allows us to eat, drink and pray together

,” says Issiaka Salif, speaking to our correspondent,

Bineta Diagne

In Guinea, drop in prices at the dawn of Ramadan

In Guinea, as in the entire sub-region, the level of prices of basic foodstuffs is worrying, as

Ramadan

begins on Tuesday.

In Conakry, officials from the Consumers' Union and the Chamber of Commerce met on Sunday, March 10, and decided to lower prices, particularly on sugar and chicken.

Ousmane Keita is president of the Consumers' Union

of Guinea

, he welcomes these decisions and calls on traders to respect the set prices.

“

We have indeed received hope that we will be able to enter this month of Ramadan with prices that are relatively accessible.
As each month of Lent approaches, whether it is Christian Lent or Ramadan, we are all concerned that prices will be completely inaccessible to our consumers.
It turns out that in Guinea, there was a first consultation between the stakeholders, with price ceilings for rice and basic necessities being proposed

,” he said at

Guillaume Thibault

’s microphone .

“

Let’s start with the sugar already.
The 50 kilo bag costs you 400,000 Guinean francs instead of 440,000. Let's take chicken: for the 10 kilo box, it was 245,000 francs, and it came back to 230,000,

” explains he.

Setting prices is a good thing, but ensuring that these prices are respected on the ground is another fight that we will wage with the authorities.

00:55

Ousmane Keita, president of the Consumers' Union of Guinea

Guillaume Thibault

Grand feasts for newlyweds in Comoros

In the

Comoros

too, the excitement of Ramadan is starting to be felt, reports our correspondent in Moroni,

Abdallah Mzembaba

This month of

increased practice of religion

and joy of sharing will also be an opportunity for the newlyweds to celebrate their union in a whirlwind of traditions.

Because in the country, the custom is for the new spouses to invite their friends and loved ones every evening throughout Ramadan to share the meal to break the fast, commonly called Iftar.

A tradition that continues, despite economic difficulties.

In Memboidjou, about forty kilometers from Moroni, at first light, while the town is still waking up, Fatoumia is already hurrying towards the market.

Her basket in hand, she wanders the aisles, looking for the culinary treasures that will make up the evening's feast.

Each ingredient is carefully selected.

Because it is not just a simple meal, but the honor of her home and her husband that is at stake.

Djouhoud explains this practice.

“

First, there are those close to me, my brothers-in-law, my brothers, my nephews whom I invite to break the fast with them.
Then, there is a moment when it is much more open and when I invite people from the village, elders, friends to come and see my home

,” he reports.

Djouhoud also highlights the financial challenge of this meal.

With around thirty guests, the daily budget easily reaches 500 euros or more.

A substantial budget for the average Comorian.

Beyond the cultural and traditional aspect, there is also religion which is very present behind this practice.

“

There is religion.
But if during Ramadan you invite your loved ones, you have rewards for these good deeds.
It's a blessed month and we manage to have "hassanates", because there is more than just prayer.
Preparing food and inviting people to come and eat is just as beneficial

.”

It is therefore with impatience that Fatoumia and Djouhoud are preparing to experience this month of Ramadan.

01:23

Report in Memboidjou, with newlyweds preparing for Ramadan

Abdallah Mzembaba

Read alsoCentral African Republic: in the PK5 district, the start of Ramadan marked by a desire for reconciliation

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In several African countries, the start of Ramadan between sharing, tradition and budget problems

In several African countries, the start of Ramadan between sharing, tradition and budget problems

In Guinea, drop in prices at the dawn of Ramadan

Grand feasts for newlyweds in Comoros

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