There will be much less Muslim pilgrims traveling to the Hajj in 2016 from Cameroon. Cameroon Intelligence Report has learnt that only 3500 have registered to make the trip to Saudi Arabia for the next pilgrimage. In the past, the number of Cameroonian pilgrims in Mecca exceeded 4 500.

The National Hajj Commission met Tuesday under the chairmanship of the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, René Emmanuel Sadi. The CPDM minister observed that the stampede at Mina last year that killed forty pilgrims was the cause of the decline.

Tuesday’s meeting granted a forum for the government to take stock of the preparations. Minister Sadi revealed that pilgrims will be transported by Camair-Co in partnership with a Saudi airlines company.

The National Hajj Commission also noted that the choice of accommodation for pilgrims in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, the reservation tents in Mina and Arafat, the transportation to Mouassassa including catering services and camping in Mina and Arafat have already been validated.

Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai (Cameroon Intelligence Report)