Senegal monitoring Middle East war ahead of 2026 Hajj
Dakar, Senegal (PANA) – Registrations for the 2026 Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca have closed, with 12,000 candidates registered on the dedicated platform, according to Senegal’s General Delegation for the Hajj.
The first departures of pilgrims are scheduled for 8 May.
However, the outbreak of war in the Middle East has raised concerns among officials responsible for organising the pilgrimage.
The General Delegate for the Hajj, Mamadou Gaye, said the situation was being closely monitored because of possible security implications for pilgrims.
“This is a concern widely shared within the Hajj community because the safety of pilgrims is essential for all countries in the world. Indeed, this major crisis that has just erupted in the region, if it continues, could have repercussions for the upcoming Hajj,” he warned in an interview published on Thursday by the Senegalese daily L’Observateur.
Despite the concerns, Gaye said there was currently no cause for alarm.
“We are monitoring the situation very closely,” he said.
He noted that Umrah pilgrimages were continuing despite the regional tensions.
“Just yesterday, two flights left Senegal for Umrah,” he said, adding that although part of the airspace was currently unavailable — particularly the stopover in Dubai — other air routes to Jeddah remained open.
“People continue to depart,” he added.
-0- PANA MSS/MA 6March2026
