Eve of Eid el-Fitr in Mauritania: for designers, the Covid-19 plays extra time

After two years of Covid-19 marked by a drop in activity, tailors do not seem spared from the effects of the health crisis, even as Eid al-Fitr approaches. Before the Coronavirus circled the planet, this religious holiday, like that of Eid al-Adha, was a golden opportunity for these makers of traditional costumes and ready-to-wear.

Mariam Diop, president of a cooperative and owner of a sewing workshop in the town of Sebkha, a populous south-western suburb of Nouakchott, mentions an order book clearly down from the average. It links this situation to the effects of the Covid-19 crisis which have not yet been completely curbed.

Faced with this situation, Mariam Diop tries to adapt with the help of other tailors who work in the workshop. Indeed, despite falling demand, it can nevertheless count on ready-to-wear, a niche that can save the day, even on the eve of the holidays.