Somali Gov’t Responds to Hajj Pilgrims’ Complaints Over Food and Transport in Mecca

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia has responded to complaints raised by some Somali pilgrims performing this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca.

Speaking on the matter, Khadar Haji Dahir, Head of the Hajj Affairs Office at Somalia’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, said the ministry had closely monitored the concerns raised by pilgrims and had taken steps to address the situation.

He explained that the Somali government is not directly responsible for providing meals to pilgrims, noting that in previous years many Somali pilgrims relied on privately owned restaurants located near their accommodation sites.

According to the official, Saudi authorities closed some of the restaurants that pilgrims had traditionally depended on for food this year, leading to disruptions in meal services and complaints over inadequate access to food.

Khadar said the ministry is working with relevant stakeholders to resolve the challenges and ensure Somali pilgrims receive the essential services needed to complete their Hajj rituals smoothly.

The remarks come as thousands of Somali pilgrims are currently in Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. In recent days, some pilgrims have publicly complained about food shortages and poor transport arrangements during their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.