More than 4,000 Cameroonian Muslim pilgrims have begun returning home following their participation in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
On Monday, June 16, Governor Jean Abate Idi’i welcomed a group of 316 pilgrims from the North Region at Garoua International Airport.
Officials expect additional groups of pilgrims to land in Douala, Yaoundé, and Bafoussam over the coming hours and days.
These returning individuals, who have now earned the religious titles of Alhaji (for men) and Hajia (for women), spent over two weeks in Mecca, taking part in key Islamic rites.
Participation in Hajj Rituals
While in Mecca, pilgrims undertook several mandatory religious activities as part of the Hajj, including:
- Tawaf: Circling the Ka’bah, Islam’s most sacred site.
- Ramy al-Jamarat: The symbolic stoning of the devil.
- Prayer at Mount Arafat, one of the most significant Hajj rituals.
The Hajj, considered the fifth pillar of Islam, is obligatory for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime.
Government Subsidies for Pilgrimage
Participation in the Hajj involves significant financial costs, but the Cameroonian government provided support to reduce the burden.
In May, ahead of the pilgrimage, the Government of Cameroon allocated 1.5 billion FCFA to assist participants. According to the Ministry of Territorial Administration, which oversees the National Hajj Commission, each pilgrim received a subsidy of 350,000 FCFA.
In addition to financial support, the state also facilitated the distribution of Zamzam water, a form of holy water sourced exclusively from Mecca, traditionally carried home by pilgrims.
Political Messaging at Departure
As Cameroon approaches its 2025 presidential election, political figures have increasingly used national events for campaign-related messaging.
During a send-off ceremony in May at Garoua International Airport, Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, addressed departing Muslim pilgrims. He urged them to pray for President Paul Biya, asking that the Head of State receive strength as he prepares for potential reelection.
