Hundreds of pilgrims stranded for lack of means of transport

Hundreds of Cameroonian Muslims, who are ready for their pilgrimage to Mecca, were left stranded while waiting for a plane to Douala (Littoral) and Garoua (North).

The two cities of embarkation and disembarkation was decided by the government because of a mishap by the national airline, Camair-Co, the official carrier of the "Hajj 2015," stakeholders told APA.

According to the official schedule, the company was able to charter two Boeing 767-300 aircrafts for departures on September 3 and scheduled to return on October 2 for both cities.

On Sunday evening, the Minister of Territorial Administration and Chairman of the National Hajj Commission, René Sadi, called on pilgrims to exercise patience while assuring them that measures were being taken to ensure a smooth journey to the Holy City of Islam. He made the statement on the national radio.

In Garoua and Douala, reliable sources disclosed that the wealthiest people had to lodge in hotels while others camped in the terminals, which were provided by the government, while they waited for their departure time.

Similarly at Camair-Co, interviewed officials have denied any clarification of the absence of an airplane for pilgrims and according to the official rate, each pilgrim had to pay 2.154 million FCFA.

However, the sources have reported that "mechanical problems" occurred on a long-haul aircraft of the company, which is currently under repair in Egypt.