By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone – December 2, 2025: The Ministry of Information and Civic Education has provided detailed updates on preparations for the 2026 Hajj during its weekly press conference held on Tuesday. Government officials, clerics, and members of the Presidential Hajj Task Force (PHTF) outlined policies, logistical arrangements, and guidance for prospective pilgrims.
Islamic Guidance on Affordability
Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bocakarie Abdel-Aziz Bawoh, reminded the public that Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam but is obligatory only for those who can afford it. He cautioned against borrowing or incurring financial hardship to perform the pilgrimage, citing Quranic verses that emphasize ease in religion and the requirement of means for Hajj.
Role of the Presidential Hajj Task Force
Deputy Minister of Social Welfare and Government Representative to the PHTF, Mohamed Hajj-Kella, explained that the Task Force—comprising clerics and government ministries—manages the Hajj process under the leadership of Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, with the approval of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.
Pilgrim Quotas and Payments
Deputy Minister Hajj-Kella announced that Sierra Leone will send 800 pilgrims, while 2,200 will travel from the diaspora and other countries. He confirmed that more than half of those registered have already paid, and although the payment deadline expired two days earlier, an extension has been granted. He assured that all 800 Sierra Leonean pilgrims will travel. He further noted that while the government previously subsidized $250 per pilgrim, the Hajj Committee is now moving toward financial independence.
Progress and Pilgrim Welfare
Chairman of the PHTF, Alhaji Murtada Sesay, highlighted improvements since 2018, recalling the disorganized experiences of earlier years. He confirmed that the 2026 registration process is complete and on schedule, with accommodation and transportation already finalized. He added that pilgrims with medical conditions will not travel this year, in line with new Saudi regulations.
Support for Diaspora Pilgrims
Chairman Sesay also emphasized the Task Force’s role in facilitating pilgrims from the diaspora, noting that about 2,000 were successfully supported last year. He credited financial discipline and careful budgeting for reducing reliance on government funding.
Advice to Pilgrims
Haja Aminata Jalloh of the Hajj Support Team urged pilgrims to strictly follow Committee instructions to ensure a smooth journey. She encouraged Muslims to perform Hajj at a younger age, given the physical demands of the rituals.
Travel Dates
The 2026 Hajj will take place from May 26–31, 2026. Sierra Leonean pilgrims are scheduled to depart Freetown on May 15 and return between June 5 and 8, 2026.