By Abu Bakarr Bah
The second batch of 266 Sierra Leonean home-based pilgrims has safely returned to the country following the successful completion of the 1447H/2026 Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims arrived at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi at exactly 7:11 a.m. Sierra Leone time on Monday, 8 June 2026. They travelled aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET8523, departing from the Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 2:11 a.m. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia time.
Before departure, several pilgrims shared their experiences during a Facebook Live interview, expressing gratitude to Allah for a successful pilgrimage and commending the Government of Sierra Leone, the Embassy in Saudi Arabia, and the Presidential Taskforce on Hajj for ensuring a smooth and well-organized process.
One of the returning pilgrims, Haja Adama Baimba, described the pilgrimage as peaceful and well-coordinated.
“The Hajj was very smooth and successful. Hospitality was excellent, accommodation was comfortable, and we were provided meals three times daily. I thank the Government of Sierra Leone for making this year’s Hajj successful,” she stated.
Another pilgrim, Alhaji Ansumana Turay, praised the care and support provided throughout the pilgrimage.
“Alhamdulillah, everything went perfectly well. We were properly taken care of during the entire Hajj period,” he said.
Haja Kadiatu Conteh also expressed appreciation for the arrangements made for pilgrims.
“We received breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, and the accommodation was excellent. We thank the Presidential Taskforce on Hajj and the Government of Sierra Leone for a successful Hajj,” she noted.
Chief Whip of Parliament, Hon. Alhaji Dixon Rogers, described the pilgrimage as spiritually transformative and deeply meaningful.
“Standing at Mount Arafat uplifted my faith and renewed my life as a Muslim. Hajj is like a rebirth. It has inspired me to reflect on my life, strengthen my faith in Allah, and avoid past mistakes,” he explained.
He further commended the efforts of the Hajj Taskforce and Sierra Leone’s diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia.
“The work of the Hajj Taskforce, Ambassador Mohammed Barrie, and the embassy staff was exceptional. They worked tirelessly throughout the rituals to ensure the success of the pilgrimage. I also prayed for Sierra Leone and for the leadership of His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio,” Hon. Rogers added.
Sierra Leone’s Deputy Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alhaji Abdul Aziz Turay, thanked Allah for the safe return of the pilgrims and congratulated them on successfully completing the pilgrimage.
He also acknowledged the support of President Dr Julius Maada Bio and Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh for the continued improvements in the country’s Hajj operations.
“Since the SLPP government assumed office in 2018, the Hajj process has undergone significant reforms under the leadership of President Bio. The Vice President has also played a major role in supporting the Presidential Taskforce on Hajj, contributing to eight consecutive successful Hajj operations,” Ambassador Turay stated.
He emphasized that the long-standing issues of pilgrims being stranded during travel have now been eliminated.
“We no longer experience situations where pilgrims become stranded at airports after performing Hajj. Pilgrims now board flights according to schedule and return home safely and on time,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Minister-Counsellor and Head of Chancery at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Saudi Arabia, Alhaji Ahmed Tejan Kabba, commended embassy staff for their unity and teamwork throughout the exercise.
“Supporting the Hajj Taskforce requires commitment and coordination. The cooperation demonstrated by embassy staff under the leadership of the mission has been commendable, and I am proud to be part of the process,” he said.
The third and final batch of Sierra Leonean home-based pilgrims is expected to depart Jeddah for Freetown on 9 June 2026.
