The politics of the Hajj organisation in Senegal: security, legitimation and clientelism

ABSTRACT This article analyses how the state in Senegal has managed hajj since liberalisation era early 2000s. Although essence of is religious, it also deeply political and requires that manages complex relations with pilgrims, religious leaders, private travel agencies, politicians Saudi authorities. argues three inter-related imperatives structure conduct Senegalese state: a security imperative, legitimation clientelistic imperative. Security concerns lead to monitor control pilgrims travelling Mecca. Legitimation seen collaborative Sûfi orders framing organisation as ‘public service’. Finally, given magnitude financial symbolic resources attached hajj, are constitutive officials’ actions. Overall, despite post-2000 maintained its role gatekeeper, regulator supervisor.