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OIC Chief to Asharq Al-Awsat: Two Mln Pilgrims from 57 Islamic Countries

Prayers being performed around the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque of Mecca, Saudi Arabia (AFP)
Prayers being performed around the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque of Mecca, Saudi Arabia (AFP)
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OIC Chief to Asharq Al-Awsat: Two Mln Pilgrims from 57 Islamic Countries

Prayers being performed around the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque of Mecca, Saudi Arabia (AFP)
Prayers being performed around the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque of Mecca, Saudi Arabia (AFP)

Hissein Brahim Taha, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), stated that officials in Islamic countries have confirmed the restoration of their share of this year’s Hajj season as it was before the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Taha revealed that the upcoming Hajj season will witness the participation of an impressive number of foreign pilgrims, totaling two million pilgrims hailing from 57 diverse Islamic nations.

Taha emphasized that Saudi Arabia is exerting tremendous efforts in preparation for accommodating this year’s pilgrims.

The OIC chief pointed out that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is working to strike the necessary balance between the number of pilgrims and the capacity of the holy sites.

This is being achieved through significant development projects that are underway as part of a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at constructing an infrastructure capable of hosting a larger number of pilgrims.

Regarding the Makkah Route initiative, Taha described it as a pioneering program within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

The initiative is making significant efforts to benefit the approximately six countries involved by streamlining the necessary procedures for Hajj completion. This includes issuing e-visas and expediting passport procedures at the departure lounge of the pilgrims’ home country airport.

Taha stated that Hajj is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, with approximately 2.5 million pilgrims performing Hajj in 2019.

The preparations and efforts required to receive and facilitate their stay are extensive, noted the OIC chief.

Taha mentioned that Saudi Arabia, following the improvement in the pandemic situation, has lifted most of the restrictions associated with the pandemic.

The Kingdom announced that it will allow the performance of the Hajj pilgrimage this year without any limitations on the number of pilgrims or their ages.

After three years of significantly reducing the number of pilgrims due to the spread of the coronavirus, the pilgrim numbers will return to their pre-pandemic levels.

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Siddiq al-Mahdi: Sudanese Public Unites on Need to End War

Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), Siddiq al-Mahdi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), Siddiq al-Mahdi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Siddiq al-Mahdi: Sudanese Public Unites on Need to End War

Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), Siddiq al-Mahdi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), Siddiq al-Mahdi (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Siddiq al-Mahdi, Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), stressed the urgent need for humanitarian aid to Sudanese citizens suffering from the ongoing conflict.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat in Addis Ababa, al-Mahdi criticized the National Congress Party for manipulating its alliance with the military to advance its political goals.

Al-Mahdi said he would only engage in the political process if the party ends its connection with the military and security forces.

He highlighted a growing recognition of the need to end the war, noting a shift away from military solutions as a positive sign of Sudanese public opinion converging on the need for peace.

The Taqaddum official said this change has reduced support for the war and increased regional and international calls for its end.

Al-Mahdi warned that the war has caused a severe humanitarian crisis and poses threats to the region, neighboring countries, the Horn of Africa, and Red Sea security.

“The need to stop the war is now urgent, and we must act on this,” he said.

He praised international efforts, including the Paris and Cairo conferences and the UN's attempts to bring the warring sides together in Geneva for aid and protection.

Al-Mahdi also revealed that his coalition had proposed a plan to the military and Rapid Support Forces, focusing on humanitarian aid, political arrangements to end the war, and a transition to civilian democracy.

He stressed that the humanitarian situation cannot wait for the war to end.

“Providing aid and protecting citizens are urgent priorities. We need to act now to deliver aid, even before the war ends,” he said.

He noted that the best approach involves coordinating initiatives from various platforms, including Jeddah, IGAD, and its key member states Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, as well as Bahrain, the UAE, Egypt, the African Union, and the United Nations.

Al-Mahdi emphasized that all these entities are working on humanitarian and peace efforts.

He stated that any alignment among mediators, conflict parties, and civil components is viewed by Taqaddum as a comprehensive process for achieving peace.