By Njodzeka Kernyuy
Vulnerable Christians and Muslims in the Diamaré Division of Cameroon’s Far North Region have received food items from President Paul Biya and his wife Chantal, to support them during Lent and Ramadan fasting.
The food items, delivered on Wednesday, comprise sugar, rice, cooking oil, sardines, soap, and buckets.
The items, which targeted only vulnerable Muslims and Christians, were delivered by the Far North Governor, Midjiyawa Bakari.
In a statement shared by the Ministry of Territorial Administration, the recipients praised President Paul Biya and his wife for their compassionate gesture, which reflects solidarity and promotes national unity.
They also assured that they would continue to pray for the President’s health and the people of Cameroon.
Why Diamaré?
Although the Far North Governor did not explain why the Head of State singled out Diamaré Division for the gesture, it is understood that this area has been prone to floods, which have killed several people and left many homeless.
The floods have rendered thousands of residents vulnerable, leaving them at the mercy of kind-hearted individuals. Delivering this humanitarian gesture to them is, in other words, helping them recover from the successive disasters.
Governor Midjiyawa Bakari hinted that such efforts would continue, though he did not specify which areas would benefit next.
Fasting and Lent
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam. During this period, Muslims are expected to abstain from eating or engaging in sexual activities from dawn until sunset.
This lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the Muslim calendar.
For Christians, Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, which culminates in Easter Sunday. It commemorates the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert and overcoming temptations from Satan.