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Sierra Leone sends hajj pilgrims after two-year exclusion

Xinhua, September 6, 2016 Adjust font size:

President of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma on Monday bade farewell to 800 Sierra Leonean pilgrims who will leave Freetown Tuesday morning for Mecca to perform this year's pilgrimage.

Koroma said the country is sending pilgrims after two years of exclusion due to the Ebola outbreak. It is an "indication that the country is doing well and is indeed ready for business," he said.

He pointed out that Sierra Leone is recognized globally for its religious tolerance and as such he admonished the pilgrims "to be messengers of peace" on their return home.

He congratulated those who were lucky to perform the pilgrimage this year and hoped they will abide by all the Saudi laws.

The pilgrims will travel with a medical team, according to Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, chairman of the Sierra Leone Hajj Committee. Endit