By Abubakarr Bah, Information Attaché, Saudi Arabia
As the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites finalizes its preparations for the 1446 AH/2025 Hajj, Sierra Leone is gearing up to send 2,000 pilgrims to perform the sacred pilgrimage. The country’s Presidential Taskforce on Hajj is working diligently to ensure a smooth and successful journey for all participants.
Chairman of the Taskforce, Alhaji Murtada Sesay, confirmed that the pilgrimage will take place from June 4th to June 9th, 2025 (8th to 12th Dhul-Hijjah). The pilgrims include 600 from Freetown and 1,400 from the Sierra Leonean diaspora.
In addition, 100 pilgrims selected under the Saudi Royal Hajj scholarship will depart Freetown on May 30th, 2025. The first batch of 78 diaspora pilgrims is scheduled to arrive in Madinah on May 19th, 2025.
Sierra Leonean-based pilgrims will leave in two groups: the first batch of 300 pilgrims via Egypt Air on May 28th and another 300 on May 29th. Other diaspora pilgrims will travel to Madinah on separate dates.
Medical and Logistical Preparations in Place
The medical screening of pilgrims is 95% complete, with an extension period until May 19th for final assessments. A specialized medical team, consisting of three doctors, three nurses, and one pharmacist, will accompany the group to provide essential healthcare support during the pilgrimage.
The Presidential Taskforce remains committed to ensuring that all pilgrims experience a seamless and spiritually fulfilling journey.