By: Aminata Jallow
The Minister for Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, Amat Bah, on Monday updated the media on plans for the 2025 Hajj [pilgrimage] to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, announcing that the tender was won by the Gambia International Airlines (GIA).
Minister Bah stated that arrangements were made with the Hajj Commission and Amirul Hajj, which included the airfare. He added that they’ve agreed that they will not go one dollar above the price paid last year because petrol prices have been slightly stable.
“There was a tender and the Gambia International Airlines (GIA) was the winner as the strongest and most responsible bidder. A reputable Saudi company was demanding for more airfare when contacts were made. Then, GIA made a partnership with Gewen Holdings & Airline Company of Abu Dhabi, Dubai. A team was dispatched from the Hajj Commission, Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and GIA to Dubai to establish the credibility of the company, and the reports were positive as the company was capable of lifting the pilgrims from The Gambia and a contract was signed between the Hajj Commission, GIA and the Dubai company,” the minister told journalists on Monday at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo.
On issues that made the agreement between The Gambia and Saudi unsuccessful, the minister explained that a delegation from the country was sent to discuss the modalities, which turned out unfruitful. He continued: “A letter was received from the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority, saying that only 50% of the Gambian pilgrims will be lifted which became an issue of sovereignty. This was not right even though there were people who were lobbying for them. A delegation led by Ambassador Yarbo, staff from our ministry, the Amirul Hajj, the Secretary to the Hajj Commission and the permanent Secretary Mr. Sisaho was dispatched to meet with the Saudi ambassador.
They made a strong presentation, regarding the high airfares which most Gambians couldn’t afford and the presentation was accepted. This paved the way for a deal between the Dubai Company and GIA, and this was a great achievement that saves us from high air fares.”
He explained that The Gambia is among the 22 countries that met all the requirements for the 2025 Hajj, adding that Gambian pilgrims’ lodging status has been upgraded to a 5-Star hotel class C.
“Last year, Gambians were lodged in 13 different places which made it difficult for some to get medical services because they cannot be reached,” he stated.
The minister added that the Kamalo Industrial land allocation files were lost immediately after the commencement of the investigation.