Niger/Religion: Hajj 2024, 2023 Quota for Niger Pilgrims maintained by Saudi Arabia

The 2024 edition of the Muslim pilgrimage, Hajj, is set to take place in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in June, as is customary each year. With approximately 2.5 million Muslims converging on Mecca during this period to fulfill Islam’s fifth pillar, Nigerien pilgrims are gearing up for their journey in 2024.

In a significant development, Ali Ben Salah Hammouda, President of the Commission for the Organization of Hajj and Umrah (COHO), signed a protocol agreement for the 2024 Hajj during a ceremony in Jeddah on January 7, 2024.

The signing ceremony was attended by Saudi Deputy Minister of Hajj, Abdoul Fatah Machat.

For the 2024 Hajj, Saudi Arabia has opted to maintain the same quota as in 2023 for Niger, allowing 15,891 pilgrims from the country.

It is crucial to recall that in recent years, Nigerien pilgrims have encountered logistical challenges, particularly related to transportation, accommodation, and visa acquisition.

These issues are often attributed to organizational deficiencies within both the COHO and the pilgrimage agencies dedicated to Hajj.

Authorities are actively working to address these shortcomings and ensure better organization for the pilgrims.

As preparations for the 2024 Hajj unfold, the agreement between Saudi Arabia and Niger signifies a commitment to facilitating a smoother pilgrimage experience for Nigerien Muslims.

The adherence to a fixed quota and ongoing efforts to improve logistics demonstrate a collaborative approach to enhance the overall pilgrimage process.

Titi KEITA