Coronavirus: Senegalese tour operators expect after hajj suspension

The Kaaba at the Great Mosque in Mecca. (Drawing). REUTERS / Ahmed Jadallah / File Photo

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In Senegal, 11 new positive cases of coronavirus were recorded Friday, according to the latest report from the Ministry of Health. They are relatives of the Senegalese patient who returned from Italy last week. This brings to 21 the number of confirmed cases in the country, 2 of which are declared cured. One of the consequences of this pandemic: Saudi Arabia notified the State of Senegal on Wednesday the suspension of all operations related to Hajj, in Mecca. A meeting was held Friday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the ambassador of Saudi Arabia and the tour operators concerned.

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From our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac

Saudi Arabia had already suspended the entry of worshipers for Umrah , the Muslim "little pilgrimage," which can be done at any time of the year. This time, the Hajj, scheduled between the end of July and the beginning of August, is compromised. The Senegalese Minister of Foreign Affairs therefore requests tour operators to no longer accept payment for the 2020 edition. El hadj Doudou Ndiaye Presta, head of Taaba Voyages, which brings together 13 agencies, and annually transports around 400 pilgrims for Hajj . “ I already have more than 80 pilgrims who have paid their money. For the package, we asked for 3 million 300,000 FCFA ”. Over 5,000 euros, the savings of a lifetime for some faithful.

A blow also for the federation of private tour operators which "takes note", according to Houreye Thiam Preira, in charge of communication. “ It is a decision that we find hard, but very responsible. For the moment, this is not a total ban on Hajj, it is a suspension. There is no point in claiming the amounts that have been paid. These amounts are secure and we invite the Senegalese to keep calm . "

This year, the authorized quota for Senegal was set at 13,000 pilgrims

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  • Senegal
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Religion