By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter D.S
In a significant diplomatic move, H.E. Mohammed S. Barrie, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, has formally requested an increase in Hajj Royal scholarships from 100 to 500 for the upcoming 1447/2026 Hajj season. This appeal was made during a courtesy visit to Dr. Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) on July 15, 2025.
Ambassador Barrie extended warm greetings from President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, along with the government and citizens of Sierra Leone. He expressed deep appreciation for KSRelief’s ongoing support in various humanitarian initiatives, which include school feeding programs and health and nutrition projects.
During the meeting, the Ambassador highlighted President Bio’s “Big Five Game Changers,” an initiative aimed at fostering economic growth and development in Sierra Leone, focusing on areas such as food security, human capital development, youth empowerment, public service reform, and the enhancement of technology and infrastructure. He emphasized Sierra Leone’s potential as a peaceful, resource-rich nation open to trade and investment.
Additionally, Ambassador Barrie discussed the upcoming state visit of President Bio to Saudi Arabia and the potential collaboration with KSRelief on the ambitious 600-bed hospital project at the 34 Military Hospital in Freetown, spearheaded by the Fatima Maada Bio Foundation.
In response to the Ambassador’s requests, Dr. Al Rabeeah advised him to submit a prioritized list of needs to Engineer Ahmed A. Al Baiz, Assistant Supervisor General of Operations and Programs, within two weeks for further consideration.
Ambassador Barrie concluded the meeting by expressing gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for the existing scholarship support and expressed hope for an increase to accommodate more pilgrims during the next Hajj season.
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