By Marian Magdalene Bangura
Strategic Communications Unit – MoICE
The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Technical Adviser, and Government Representative on the Presidential Hajj Task Force (PHTF), Mohamed Hajj-Kella, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and well-organized pilgrimage for Sierra Leonean Muslims ahead of the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at a well-attended press conference hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education at Lac’s Villa on Cantonment Road, Freetown, Mr Hajj-Kella said that government-established body is composed of eminent Islamic clerics and representatives from relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The Task Force, he added, is mandated to coordinate and facilitate the successful participation of Sierra Leonean Muslims in performing the fifth pillar of Islam — the Holy Pilgrimage (Hajj).
Deputy Minister Hajj-Kella expressed gratitude to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for his continued support to the Hajj process and informed that the Honorable Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, serves as the Head of the Presidential Hajj Task Force.
Providing updates on preparations for the 2026 Hajj, Mr Hajj-Kella disclosed that they are targeting 800 pilgrims from within the country and 1,200 Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora, bringing it to a total of 2,000.
He stated that over 50% of registered pilgrims have already completed their payments. Although the payment deadline expired a couple of days ago, the Task Force has graciously extended it by a few days to accommodate those facing logistical challenges.
“The 800 pilgrims from Sierra Leone will definitely make the trip,” the Deputy Minister assured, emphasizing the Task Force’s efficiency and transparency in the entire process.
He furthered that the government had previously provided a subsidy of $250 per pilgrim, but the current Hajj Committee is now moving towards operating independently, ensuring a more sustainable and self-managed system in the long run.
According to the official schedule, the 2026 Hajj will take place from May 26 to May 31, 2026. Sierra Leonean pilgrims are expected to depart Freetown on May 15, 2026, and return between June 5 and June 8, 2026.
Deputy Minister Hajj-Kella concluded by reaffirming government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every Sierra Leonean pilgrim embarks on a safe, organized, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience under the guidance of the Presidential Hajj Task Force.