Ghana urges Tijjaniya pilgrims to fly to Senegal, citing road safety concerns

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged members of the Tijjaniya Muslim brotherhood planning to travel to Senegal for religious observances to use air travel rather than overland routes, according to Graphic Online. The advisory reflects growing concern about the security situation along road corridors linking West African coastal states to Senegal.

The Tijjaniyya, one of the largest Sufi orders in sub-Saharan Africa, traces its origins to the teachings of the Algerian-born scholar Ahmad al-Tijani in the late 18th century. Senegal, and particularly the cities of Tivaouane and Kaolack, serve as the spiritual heartland of the order and draw thousands of pilgrims each year from neighbouring countries, including significant communities in northern Ghana. Pilgrims typically gather to mark the annual commemoration of the founder and to visit the principal zawiyas, or lodges, of the brotherhood.

The Ministry’s recommendation comes against a backdrop of deteriorating security across parts of the Sahel and the wider West African corridor. Overland travel through or near areas affected by armed group activity has become a growing source of concern for governments whose citizens undertake religious journeys to Senegal. By encouraging air travel, the Ministry is seeking to reduce pilgrims’ exposure to road-based risks while still enabling participation in the religious events.

Officials did not specify how many pilgrims were expected to travel or whether any arrangements had been made with airlines to facilitate group bookings, as Graphic Online reported. The advisory forms part of a broader pattern of travel guidance issued by Ghanaian authorities in recent years in response to shifting security conditions across the region.

Sources

This report was written from coverage published by the following news organisations. Follow the links for the original reporting.

• Graphic Online — Foreign Affairs Ministry warns Tijjaniya pilgrims against road travel, advises air travel to Senegal