After council of chiefs: Traditional, religious Muslim leaders beg Biya to seek re-election.

The spiritual and traditional rulers of the Adamawa, North and Far North Regions, made the declaration in Yaounde Tuesday. 

This was shortly after an audience granted them by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji. 

The spiritual and traditional rulers of the Northern Regions were also joined by the Imams of the Central Mosques of Douala and Yaounde in calling on President Biya to run again for office of President of the Republic.

The call from the Northerners came one day after members of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Cameroon had publicly urged Biya to seek re-election.

The declaration from the northern spiritual and traditional rulers was read out yesterday by the Lamido of Garoua, His Majesty Ibrahim El Rachindine.

Speaking on behalf of his peers, the respected monarch of Garoua recounted that: "On the sidelines of the meeting of the Council of Traditional Leaders of Cameroon, held at the Yaounde Conference Centre, on January 27, 2025, the Traditional Leaders and Religious Leaders of the Regions of Adamawa, the Far North and the North, as well as the Grand Imams of the Central Mosques of Douala and Yaounde, met to assess the political, economic and social situation in Cameroon".

His Majesty Ibrahim El Rachindine said at the end of the meeting, participants noted with satisfaction that calm and peace now reign throughout the national territory, despite the security challenges in the North West, South West and Far North Regions, which he said are still under control.

He said: "The Traditional Chiefs and Religious Leaders of the Northern Regions, particularly thank the Head of State, His Excellency Paul Biya, for having taken into account their main grievance, namely the rehabilitation of the Garoua-Ngaoundéré and Mora-Kousseri road axes, which featured prominently in his message to the Nation on December 31, 2024".

The traditional ruler continued that: "On another level, the Traditional Chiefs and Religious Leaders of the Northern Regions, as well as the Imams of all the Mosques of Cameroon, express their deep and sincere thanks to H.E Paul Biya, for his personal involvement in the organisation of the Hajj for nearly six years. This great moment of faith is now taking place in a satisfactory and exemplary manner".

While praising the efforts of President Biya, the Muslim leader described Cameroon as one of the rare African countries, where the Head of State not only grants substantial financial aid to pilgrims, but also ensures that the faithful, some 6,000 pilgrims every year, who stay in Mecca and Medina, each returning home with five litres of holy water, commonly known as Zam Zam.

"To understand the importance of this great presidential gesture, it should be noted that nearly 10 million Muslims consume ‘Zam Zam,’ after each edition of the Hajj, which is immeasurable in terms of blessings," he explained.

He showered praises on President Biya for giving an attentive ear to Cameroonian Muslims.

"This is a palpable illustration of Cameroonians living together and of the perfect peaceful coexistence between religions in our country, which he never ceases to advocate" he said.

"It is for this reason that every year, Cameroonian pilgrims dedicate a special prayer to H.E. Paul Biya, the first benefactor of the Hajj, to ask Allah, the Almighty and Merciful to grant him good health, long life and boundless energy in the exercise of his high and delicate mission as Supreme Magistrate of our country," he stated further. 

His Majesty Ibrahim El Rachindine said in recognition of his constant solicitude towards the Muslim community, the Traditional Chiefs and Religious Leaders of the Northern Regions, as well as the Grand Imams of the Central Mosques of Douala and Yaounde, call on President Paul Biya to run as candidate in the next presidential election. 

He said they are assuring Biya of their total and unfailing support, including "our blessings and fervent prayers for a resounding victory".

“May Allah the Almighty and Merciful sweep away all obstacles in the path of H.E Paul Biya, so that he may continue to make Cameroon shine in Africa and in the world," he concluded.

Meanwhile, speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, thanked the Muslim leaders for standing by Biya at all times. While promising them more State support, Minister Atanga Nji said he would with immediately channel their message to the Head of State.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3353 of Wednesday January 29, 2025