Somali PM warns against overcharging Hajj pilgrims

Somalia’s Prime Minister has warned against overcharging Hajj pilgrims as Muslims all over the world prepare for the annual Islamic pilgrimage.

In a meeting on Sunday with the Minister of Religion and Endowment, Mukhtar Robow Ali, Barre urged the ministry of Religion and Endowment to ensure transparency and fairness in dividing Hajj quota among private travel agencies that deliver Hajj services.

Performing Hajj is one of Islam’s five pillars and is mandatory upon all adult Muslims at least once in their lifetime with the condition that they are physically and financially capable of undertaking the pilgrimage.

Barre warned against the culture of ‘isbaaro’, which translates to roadblock, to imply that corruption by state authorities and Hajj agencies among others leads to overcharging desperate citizens longing to perform their religious obligations up to $6,000 per person.

The PM’s remarks came after the Hajj bidding process committee announced last week by the religious affairs ministry was criticised for lack of transparency.