By Alpha Bah
The first batch of 267 Sierra Leonean home-based pilgrims arrived in Madinah on Friday ahead of the 2026 Hajj, joining earlier diaspora groups as the country’s contingent gathers in Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims landed at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport and were received by officials from the Sierra Leone Embassy and the Presidential Taskforce on Hajj.
They join 298 Sierra Leonean diaspora pilgrims who had arrived earlier in separate batches from Europe and North America, as well as an additional group of 45 pilgrims travelling from The Gambia, according to officials.
The home-based pilgrims are being accommodated in hotels located near the Prophet’s Mosque, allowing them to perform daily prayers during their short stay in Madinah before proceeding to Makkah.
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Barrie, said embassy officials were working closely with the Hajj taskforce to ensure a smooth pilgrimage.
“We are here to give our fullest support to ensure our pilgrims have a successful Hajj,” he said.
Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on Hajj, Murtada Sesay, who travelled with the first group, said special attention was given to first-time travellers to ensure smooth departure and arrival procedures.
Further batches of home-based pilgrims are expected to depart Freetown in the coming days, officials said.
Hajj rites are scheduled to begin on May 25, with Sierra Leone expected to send a total of 2,626 pilgrims this year, including 826 travelling from the country and about 1,800 from the diaspora.
