The pilgrimage of 4,188 muslim Cameroonians to the holy land in the Middle East has been subsidized by the state with one billion five hundred and sixty million (1,560,000,000) CFA francs.
The Minister of Territorial Administration, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission, Paul Atanga Nji informed the public on Friday, April 12.
The announcement followed presidential instructions in order to enable a greater number of the faithful to make the pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
“This financial support, which comes just after the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, will reduce the cost of the pilgrimage and make the stay of our faithful in the Holy Land more pleasant” the press release read.
The release further highlighted that the subsidy will be equitably distributed among pilgrims at the airport before boarding. To this end, a bank counter will be opened at each departure airport.
In addition, the Head of State, H. E Paul Biya granted Cameroonian pilgrims another gift: 4,188 5-liter cans of “Zam-Zam” holy water, that is one 5-liter can per pilgrim, carried free of charge on the return journey after the pilgrimage.
Every year, Muslim faithfuls in the country make a pilgrimage to the holy land according to one of the pillars of Islam. In 2023, 3,165 muslims made the religious journey signifying an increase of 1,023 persons this year.