By Ebrima Mbaye
What was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey to the holy city of Mecca has left more than 100 Gambian pilgrims devastated and out of pocket, after a local travel agency allegedly failed to deliver on its promises for the 2026 Hajj season.
The pilgrims, who collectively paid over D50 million to Ejabah Travel and Tours, gathered at a tense press conference in Talinding on Thursday to demand the immediate return of their money and government intervention.
Jatou Jarju, chairperson of the affected group, said the pilgrims entrusted their hard-earned savings to the company’s CEO, Kanimang Bajo, with assurances that everything was for their pilgrimage. “We paid our money in good faith, believing we were going to fulfill one of the pillars of Islam,” Jarju told reporters. “Now we have nothing.”
According to the victims, problems surfaced in mid-May 2026. On May 11, a company representative named Jainaba sent a voice note claiming some pilgrims had already reached Guinea-Bissau, followed by photos purportedly showing others at an embassy. The messages raised hopes that the journey was proceeding smoothly. Just three days later, on May 14, Kanimang Bajo himself sent an audio message informing the group that visas were unavailable and that the trip could not proceed.
Adama Camara, a resident of Tallinding and the group’s spokesperson, described the emotional rollercoaster. “We were given false hope. People sold properties and used life savings to prepare. Some even borrowed money,” he said. Shortly after the cancellation announcement, reports emerged that police had arrested Kanimang Bajo, though details of any charges remain unclear.
The pilgrims claim Ejabah Travel and Tours has since refused to cooperate or refund their payments despite repeated attempts to contact the company. Many now face severe financial hardship, with some struggling to repay debts incurred in anticipation of the Hajj.
“We are calling on the authorities, particularly the Gambia Police Force and the Ministry of Tourism, to investigate this matter so we can recover our money thoroughly,” Camara added.
As of Friday, no official statement has been issued by Ejabah Travel and Tours. The incident has raised broader concerns about the regulation of Hajj and Umrah tour operators in The Gambia, where thousands of devout Muslims save for years to perform the sacred pilgrimage.
The affected pilgrims say they will continue peaceful protests and legal action until their refunds are processed.
