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Dakar, Senegal – Senegal’s National Assembly has initiated a parliamentary inquiry to address recurring issues in the organization of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina. The move, announced on February 17, 2026, aims to identify and rectify irregularities that have plagued the process for Senegalese pilgrims, according to reports.
The Commission of Foreign Affairs, Senegalese Abroad, and Africans in the Diaspora will lead the information-gathering mission. This comes as concerns mount over the logistical challenges and potential shortcomings in ensuring a safe and well-organized pilgrimage experience for Senegalese citizens fulfilling one of the five pillars of Islam. The Hajj, a religious visit to the holy sites in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is a significant undertaking for many Senegalese Muslims, and the government is under pressure to streamline the process and protect pilgrims from exploitation.
The inquiry’s focus will be on the entire Hajj operation, from registration and travel arrangements to accommodation and on-the-ground support in Saudi Arabia. Lawmakers are expected to scrutinize contracts with travel agencies, assess the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms, and evaluate the adequacy of resources allocated to the pilgrimage. The goal is to establish clear accountability and implement measures to prevent future disruptions and ensure transparency.
Addressing Long-Standing Concerns
The decision to launch the inquiry follows years of complaints from pilgrims regarding issues such as inflated costs, inadequate accommodation, and logistical problems during the Hajj. These concerns have prompted calls for greater government intervention and stricter regulation of the Hajj industry. The Délégation générale au pèlerinage (General Delegation for Pilgrimage) is tasked with preparing, coordinating, supervising, and controlling all operations related to the Hajj for Senegalese pilgrims, but the parliamentary inquiry suggests a need for further oversight.
The Hajj, as outlined in Islamic tradition, is a journey to the sacred sites of Mecca and Medina, holding immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. The pilgrimage typically takes place during the 8th to 13th days of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The historical roots of the pilgrimage date back to the year 9 after the Hijrah (the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina), as documented in the Quran (Surah Al Imran).
The Significance of the Holy Sites
Islam recognizes specific locations as particularly sacred. The Kaaba in Mecca is considered the most holy site, followed by the Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) in Medina. Both sites are located in Saudi Arabia. The Prophet’s Mosque, originally the home of Muhammad after his exile to Medina, served as a center for religious teaching, community gatherings, and judicial proceedings. The mosque’s distinctive green dome, added in 1839, marks the location of Muhammad’s tomb. According to Islamic belief, these locations are imbued with divine significance and attract pilgrims from across the globe.
Beyond these universally recognized sites, the [Wikipedia article on holy sites in Islam](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lieux_saints_de_l’islam) notes that Shia Muslims also consider several locations in Iran and Iraq to be sacred. However, the current parliamentary inquiry focuses specifically on the organization of the pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina for Senegalese citizens.
What to Expect Next
The National Assembly’s Commission is expected to hold hearings, gather testimonies from stakeholders, and review relevant documents as part of the information-gathering process. A report outlining the findings and recommendations is anticipated in the coming months. The outcome of the inquiry could lead to legislative changes, stricter regulations, and improved oversight of the Hajj organization, ultimately aiming to ensure a more secure and fulfilling pilgrimage experience for Senegalese Muslims. The success of these efforts will be closely watched by both pilgrims and government officials alike.
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