2,778 Cameroonian Pilgrims Depart from Garoua to Medina for Hajj 2026

The last group of Cameroonian pilgrims boarded their flight on Sunday, May 18 from the Garoua International Airport, bound for Medina, Saudi Arabia. With 320 pilgrims on board, this flight marked the end of this year’s departure operations for Hajj 2026.

According to the Ministry of Territorial Administration, about 2,778 pilgrims departed from Garoua this year. The entire operation was coordinated by the National Hajj Commission under the chairmanship of the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji. Officials report that the process ran smoothly, with nine flights organized in strict adherence to procedure and without any major incidents.

Oversight of the operation began on May 8, 2026, led by MINAT’s representative, Simon Pierre-Marie Atangana. The coordination received praise for its organization and efficiency. Pilgrims received full support from state institutions throughout the process. The atmosphere at the airport combined faith and patriotism, with health checks and travel formalities handled rigorously.

In Saudi Arabia, the pilgrims will follow the traditional Hajj route between Medina and Mecca. Their itinerary includes Mina, Muzdalifah, and Mount Arafat, with Mecca as the spiritual center focused on the Kaaba. Logistical and medical support will be provided throughout their stay. Upon return, each pilgrim will receive 5 liters of Zamzam water, part of a 15,000-liter shipment donated by the Head of State, President Paul Biya.

Hajj is a pilgrimage Muslims make to the holy sites in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It takes place from the 8th to the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. As the fifth pillar of Sunni Islam and one of the auxiliary principles of Shia faith, Hajj is obligatory for every Muslim who is financially and physically able to undertake it. While a believer may perform Hajj more than once, the obligation itself is fulfilled once in a lifetime, as established in the Qur’an.

This Sunday’s departure from Garoua closes a chapter of months of preparation for thousands of Cameroonian families. For the pilgrims now in the holy land, the journey ahead is both a personal act of faith and a collective moment of national pride.