The second batch of 266 Sierra Leonean home-based Hajj pilgrims safely arrived at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi at 7:11 a.m. Sierra Leone time on Monday, 8 June 2026, following the successful completion of the 1447H/2026 Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims departed the Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah aboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET8523 at 2:11 a.m. Saudi Arabia time earlier that day.
Speaking during a Facebook Live interview before departure, several pilgrims expressed gratitude to Allah for enabling them to successfully complete the Hajj. They also thanked the Government of Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Embassy in Saudi Arabia, and the Presidential Taskforce on Hajj for ensuring a smooth and well-organized pilgrimage.
“The Hajj was very smooth and successful. Hospitality was excellent, accommodation was good, and we were provided with three meals a day. I thank the Government of Sierra Leone for its efforts in making this year’s Hajj a success,” said Haja Adama Baimba.
Another pilgrim, Alhaji Ansumana Turay, described the experience as rewarding.
“Alhamdulillah, everything went perfectly well. We were well taken care of throughout the entire pilgrimage,” he said.
Haja Kadiatu Conteh also praised the arrangements made for the pilgrims.
“We received breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, and the accommodation was excellent. Alhamdulillah, we thank the Presidential Taskforce on Hajj and the Government of Sierra Leone for a successful pilgrimage,” she stated.
Chief Whip of Parliament, Hon. Alhaji Dixon Rogers, described the pilgrimage as a deeply transformative spiritual experience.
“Standing at Mount Arafat has strengthened my faith and transformed my outlook on life. For me, Hajj is a rebirth. It has given me the opportunity to reflect on my life, renew my commitment to Allah, and strive to avoid past mistakes,” he said.
He further expressed appreciation to Allah for a successful pilgrimage and commended the efforts of the Hajj Taskforce and the Sierra Leone Embassy in Saudi Arabia.
“The work of the Hajj Taskforce, Ambassador Mohammed Barrie, and his staff has been exceptional. They worked tirelessly throughout the pilgrimage to ensure its success. I also prayed for my country 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, also thanked Allah for a successful Hajj and congratulated the pilgrims on completing one of Islam’s most important religious obligations.
He expressed gratitude to President Dr Julius Maada Bio and Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh for their continued support of the Hajj programme.
“Since the SLPP Government assumed office in 2018, significant reforms have been introduced to improve the Hajj process. Under the leadership of President Bio and with the strong support of the Vice President, the Presidential Taskforce on Hajj has consistently delivered successful pilgrimages over the past eight years,” Ambassador Turay said.
He noted that challenges previously experienced by pilgrims, including delays and prolonged waiting times at airports, have been significantly reduced through improved planning and coordination.
Minister-Counsellor and Head of Chancery at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Saudi Arabia, Alhaji Ahmed Tejan Kabba, commended embassy staff for their teamwork and dedication in supporting the Hajj operations.
“Supporting the Hajj Taskforce is demanding, but the level of coordination and cooperation among staff under the leadership of the mission has been commendable. I am humbled to be part of this process,” he said.
Meanwhile, the third and final batch of Sierra Leonean home-based Hajj pilgrims is scheduled to depart Jeddah for Freetown on 9 June 2026, marking the conclusion of the country’s 2026 Hajj operations.