Monday June 3, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — The Hajj committee of Somalia's Ministry of Religious Affairs met with Saudi Arabian officials in Makkah on Sunday.
The Somali committee inspected the accommodations of Somali pilgrims, ensuring facilities met the required standards. Around 11,000 Somali pilgrims are expected to participate in this year's Hajj, with the committee organizing travel and logistics.
The formation of this Hajj committee was announced in October 2023. Composed of nine prominent individuals, the committee oversees the Hajj Tasks Competition, a critical process to enhance the quality and efficiency of services for Somali pilgrims.
The committee's responsibilities include evaluating organizations' health and safety compliance, accommodation and transportation provision, visa and passport facilitation, and adherence to Islamic values. The evaluation ensures a smooth and organized Hajj experience, a priority for the Somali government.
Despite these efforts, the cost of the Hajj pilgrimage for Somali citizens remains high. The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs set the 2024 fee at $4,434, slightly lower than the previous year's $4,484 but still significantly higher than fees for neighbouring countries like Djibouti, Kenya, and Ethiopia, where costs can be as low as $1,600. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre criticized certain agencies for inflating prices and exacerbating tensions over the high costs.
The Somali government has faced accusations of mismanagement in previous years. In 2023, Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a (ASWJ) refused to cooperate with the Ministry, alleging favouritism in the bidding process for Hajj vendors. The Ministry has warned that it will take action against companies that overcharge Somali pilgrims.
The first group of Somali pilgrims arrived in Madinah on May 16, 2024.