The Hadj 2027 has been officially launched in Burkina Faso, with 8,143 pilgrims set to participate in the journey to perform the fifth pillar of Islam. The transport of the pilgrims will be handled by the national airline, Air Burkina. This year's edition has introduced new measures to ensure the smooth execution of the pilgrimage, including the organization being handled by the state through the National Committee for the Organization of the Pilgrimage to Mecca (CNOPM).
The CNOPM will be responsible for recruiting candidates and selecting service providers in Saudi Arabia. However, some travel and tourism agencies may be assigned certain state tasks. Additionally, the texts governing the Hadj have been updated and revised, including the charter of travel agencies/transport and the inter-ministerial decree. These changes aim to improve the overall experience for pilgrims and ensure a more efficient and transparent process.
A new digital platform has been created to facilitate the registration of pilgrims, addressing difficulties encountered during the previous edition. Once registered, pilgrims can choose their preferred agency, which will then oversee their care. A major innovation this year is that all pilgrims will be accommodated, and a random draw will be held to allocate the quota of 8,143. This move aims to address complaints from previous years about limited registration time.
To ensure good conditions for pilgrims and better coordination, agencies have been grouped according to the number of pilgrims they will be handling. This will optimize the management of accommodation, transportation, and logistics. Furthermore, training for trainers will be conducted in November in Jeddah to better equip field actors. The cost of meals in Medina and Mecca will also be included in the overall cost of the Hadj.
The national airline, Air Burkina, will once again handle the air transport of pilgrims. According to Sibiri de Issa Ouédraogo, technical advisor to the Minister of State in charge of territorial administration, these reforms demonstrate the government's efforts to provide a comfortable experience for Burkinabé pilgrims in the Holy Land. The process aims to affirm the country's sovereignty and ensure transparency and fairness.
A medical aptitude certificate remains a mandatory requirement for all candidates. Authorities have called for firm action against any attempts at sabotage or practices contrary to Islamic values and national directives. The cost of Hadj 2027 has not been disclosed yet, but it will be communicated to the public once determined.
The launch of Hadj 2027 marks an important milestone in the preparations for the pilgrimage. With the implementation of new measures and the involvement of Air Burkina, the Burkinabé government aims to provide a seamless experience for the 8,143 pilgrims. The country is working to ensure that the pilgrimage is conducted in accordance with Islamic values and national regulations.
Key points
- The Burkinabé government has introduced new measures to ensure the smooth execution of Hadj 2027, including a new digital platform for registration and the grouping of agencies by the number of pilgrims.
- Air Burkina will handle the air transport of pilgrims for the second consecutive year.
- A medical aptitude certificate is a mandatory requirement for all candidates, and authorities have called for firm action against any attempts at sabotage or practices contrary to Islamic values and national directives.
