The Ministry of Information and Civic Education provided Sierra Leoneans with detailed updates on preparations for the 2026 Hajj during its weekly press briefing held on 2 December 2025 at the Lac’s Villa Cantonment, off Kingharman Road. Officials, Islamic clerics, and members of the Presidential Hajj Task Force (PHTF) outlined arrangements to ensure a safe, organized, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bocakarie Abdel-Aziz Bawoh, highlighted the sacred importance of Hajj as one of Islam’s five pillars, reminding the public that the pilgrimage is obligatory only for those with the financial means. He stressed that Islam discourages taking loans or creating financial hardship to perform Hajj, quoting the Holy Qur’an: “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).
Representing the government and the PHTF, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Mohamed Hajj-Kella apologized for the brief delay in starting the briefing due to Zhur prayer observances. He noted that the Task Force, composed of government officials and Islamic clerics, is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the pilgrimage. With presidential approval, Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh continues to serve as head of the Task Force.
Hajj-Kella disclosed that Sierra Leone plans to send 800 local pilgrims and 2,200 from the diaspora. He confirmed that more than half of the registered pilgrims have completed their payments and announced a short extension to allow remaining applicants to finalize their fees. He also emphasized that all 800 local pilgrims are confirmed to travel. While the government previously subsidized each pilgrim with USD $250, the Committee is now encouraging a more self-reliant funding model.
PHTF Chairman, Alhaji Murtada Sesay, reflected on past challenges with pre-2018 Hajj arrangements, describing them as chaotic. He commended the progress made since his appointment, noting that the 2026 registration exercise is now complete and on schedule. He added that, in line with new Saudi guidelines, pilgrims with medical complications will not be eligible this year. Accommodation and transport logistics have already been finalized to ensure smooth operations.
Alhaji Sesay further emphasized the Committee’s efforts to support diaspora pilgrims, recalling that approximately 2,000 Sierra Leoneans participated successfully in last year’s pilgrimage. He highlighted that careful financial management has significantly reduced reliance on government funding.
Haja Aminata Jalloh, a member of the Hajj Support Team, urged intending pilgrims to follow all directives issued by the Committee to guarantee an organized journey. She also advised Muslims to consider performing Hajj earlier in life, noting the physical demands of the rituals on elderly participants. The 2026 Hajj is scheduled for 26–31 May, with the Sierra Leone delegation departing Freetown on 15 May 2026 and returning between 5 and 8 June 2026. The government and PHTF reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that all pilgrims have a safe, well-coordinated, and spiritually rewarding pilgrimage
