Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Ministry of Information and Civic Education has provided detailed updates on the 2026 Hajj process during its weekly press conference on Tuesday, 2 November 2025.
The Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bocakarie Abdel-Aziz Bawoh, emphasized that Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is obligatory only for those who can afford it. He stressed that Islam discourages individuals from borrowing or placing themselves under financial hardship to perform the pilgrimage, citing Quranic verses: “And Hajj to the House is a duty owed to Allah by those who can afford it” [Al ‘Imran 3:97] and “Allah has not placed hardship upon you in the religion” [Al-Hajj 22:78].
The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare and Government Representative to the Presidential Hajj Task Force (PHTF), Mohamed Hajj-Kella, outlined the Task Force’s role in managing the Hajj process. He explained that, with the approval of President Dr Julius Maada Bio, Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh serves as head of the PHTF, which includes clerics and various government ministries.
Deputy Minister Hajj-Kella reported that Sierra Leone will send 800 pilgrims, while 2,200 pilgrims from the diaspora and other countries will also be accommodated. Over half of the registered pilgrims have already paid, and although the payment deadline expired two days ago, an extension has been granted for a few more days. He assured that all 800 Sierra Leonean pilgrims will travel, adding that the Hajj Committee is transitioning toward full financial independence, moving away from previous government subsidies of approximately $250 per person.
Chairman of the PHTF, Alhaji Murtada Sesay, recalled the challenges faced by pilgrims prior to 2018 and highlighted improvements since his appointment. He confirmed that the 2026 registration process is complete and on schedule, and noted that pilgrims with medical conditions will not travel this year, in line with new Saudi regulations. Accommodation and transportation arrangements have already been finalized.
He further noted that the Task Force continues to facilitate pilgrims from the diaspora, with around 2,000 successfully supported last year. He credited careful budgeting and financial discipline with reducing dependence on government funding.
Haja Aminata Jalloh of the Hajj Support Team urged pilgrims to strictly follow Committee instructions to ensure a smooth pilgrimage. She also encouraged Muslims to perform Hajj at a younger age, citing the physical demands of the rituals.
The 2026 Hajj will take place from 26–31 May 2026. Sierra Leonean pilgrims are scheduled to depart Freetown on 15 May 2026 and return between 5 and 8 June 2026.
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