Addressing some Muslim leaders, associations, pilgrim leaders and members of the press this Monday in Yaoundé, the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, said the Head of State has always opted for a good pilgrimage for Cameroonian Muslims, which explains why luxurious hotels, ventilated tents, have been booked for them, at just 5 minutes walk to the prayer ground.

Following a rumour that sent some pilgrims grumbling, about an increase in price of each pilgrim, the Minister said the contracts are signed in Saudi Arabia and prices of services are homologated for all countries.

He added that the Cameroonian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia obtained the best deal for Cameroon given that the pilgrimage is in categories. He further said Saudi authorities decide on the prices of inter urban transport, visas and other facilities and the pilgrims have no choice than to adhere to their demands.

He regretted that the price of the pilgrimage too depended on the price of the dollar in the market, since all contracts are signed in dollars or Saudi Arabian Ryal. Since the dollar witnessed an increase, this caused an increase in exchange rate thus impacting on what pilgrims have to pay.

While rounding up the meeting, MINAT Boss handed over some documents to Muslim leaders, to clearly define the terms of the contracts signed and other different rates per country.

The Pilgrimage also known as Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all able-bodied Muslims are required to perform it once in their lifetime. The Hajj is seen as a chance to wipe clean past sins and start fresh. Many seek to deepen their faith on the Hajj, with some women taking on the Islamic hair covering known as “hijab” upon returning.

This meeting coincides with the first day of fasting for Muslims, ahead of the feasts of RAMADAN.