BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
ADDIS ABABA– The Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council (EIASC) disclosed that an agreement was reached with the Saudi Arabian government to allow up to 20,000 Ethiopians to perform Hajji pilgrimage in the current year.
EIASC delegation that went to Saudi Arabia to confer on ways to increase the number of Ethiopian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims returned home after conducting a successful task, the Deputy President Sheikh Abdulaziz Sheikh Abdulweli told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA).
The delegation also participated in the 1444 Hajj Expo organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, along with participants from all over the world, representing Ethiopia.
The deputy president further stated that during their stay in Saudi Arabia, the delegation members were able to share experiences of various countries that host a large number of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims including Malaysia. The delegation also made a closer look at African countries that provide better Hajj and Umrah services including Tanzania, Somalia, and Kenya.
Although Ethiopia has the opportunity to use a large number of Hajj quotas in Africa next only Nigeria, it has not been able to use it for various reasons. Following extensive discussion, the delegation signed the Hajj and Umrah coordination and execution agreement with the Saudi Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Abdul Fattah Mashat (PhD) which the measure will enable Ethiopia to utilize its quotas.
“An agreement has been reached with the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs to host 15,000 to 20,000 guests of Allah this year alone.”
He continued: “We will work with the Ethiopian Consulate General in Jeddah to change the mistreatment some Ethiopian pilgrims encountered previously and ensure proper accommodation for citizens. This year service to Hajj pilgrims should be quick and free from unnecessary harassment.”
Noting the council’s preparations to fulfill its responsibility of serving the pilgrims differently, Sheikh Abdulaziz highlighted that a tender announcement will be aired for the companies that can provide hotel and catering services in Mecca and Medina.
Agreements were reached with various commercial banks to enable the pilgrims to make payments in nearby branches and close partnerships were formed with the two countries’ flag carriers to provide effective air transport services, it was learned.
The Hajj is a five-day pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest place Mecca and this year it is expected to begin on June 26 and last until July 1.
The Ethiopian Herald 25 January 2023
