The official start of spiritual preparations for the 2026 Hajj (1447 AH) was marked this Tuesday, April 21st, by a major announcement at the COSIM headquarters in Bingerville. Sheikh Ousmane Diakité officially appointed Imam Timité Amadou Koudouss as the Amir (principal guide) of Ivorian pilgrims for this year's pilgrimage.

Imam Timité, currently vice-president of COSIM for the Gontougo region (Bondoukou), thus assumes the high responsibility of representing the guide of the Muslim community of Ivory Coast in the Holy Land.

A mission of coordination and spirituality

At the head of a contingent estimated at 10,000 pilgrims , the Amir will not be content with a purely honorary role. His duties will be essential for the smooth running of the pilgrimage:

1. Official representation: He will be the face and voice of the Ivorian community during protocol ceremonies in Saudi Arabia.
2. Spiritual direction: He will supervise religious activities, prayer sessions and Quranic readings at the holy sites of Medina, Mecca, Arafat and Mina.
3. Logistical support: He will work closely with the Hajj Commissariat to streamline the organization.
4. The highlight of Arafat: He will have the honor of delivering the official speech at the grand gathering in Arafat, a key moment of the pilgrimage.

Towards a harmonious organization

This early appointment underlines the desire of COSIM and the Ivorian authorities to anticipate the challenges of the 2026 Hajj. By serving as an interface between religious bodies and pilgrims, Imam Timité Amadou Koudouss will have to guarantee perfect cohesion within the contingent so that this spiritual journey takes place in serenity and devotion.