Oct. 28, 2026 Featured
Constructive meeting at the Israeli Embassy in Yaoundé
On October 12, a delegation from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Cameroon was warmly received at the Embassy of Israel by the Acting Ambassador, H.E. Yaron Mayer, and the Consul, Ms. Anastasia Grinayt.
YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon — As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the community's relationship with public authorities and the diplomatic corps, representatives of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Cameroon were received at the Embassy of Israel in Yaoundé, marking a significant step in reinforcing ties of mutual understanding.
The meeting was held at the invitation of His Excellency Yaron Mayer, Ambassador-at-Large, accompanied by Ms. Anastasia Grinayt, Consul and Deputy Head of Mission. The Bahá’í delegation consisted of Mr. Michel Maturin Ndongo Kittio, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Mr. Hervé Toko Djomgoue, Secretary of the Bureau of External Affairs.
The meeting, marked by great cordiality, offered a valuable opportunity to discuss the evolution of the Bahá’í Faith in Cameroon, whose historical beginnings date back to 1953. The Bahá’í representatives presented the perspectives currently guiding the efforts of the national community, highlighting the role of the four Regional Councils and the dynamism of grassroots community-building activities throughout the country.
Particular attention was paid to the Bahá’ís’ social action initiatives, including the Preparation for Social Action (PSA) program and the network of community schools successfully operating in the Eastern and Far Northern regions, as well as in the neighboring Central African Republic. The diplomats expressed keen interest in these horizontal learning processes aimed at unlocking the potential of local populations to take charge of their own material and spiritual development.
During the discussions, the topic of visits to the Bahá’í World Centre, located in the Haifa and Acre region of Israel, was raised. The representatives explained the nature of these spiritual and administrative journeys mandated by the Universal House of Justice: the traditional nine-day pilgrimage, long-term volunteer missions, and the invitation of international experts to assist the Faith’s global institutions. In all cases, emphasis was placed on the essential spiritual preparation required by the proximity of these Holy Places.
Constructive consultations also took place regarding streamlining visa procedures, particularly for believers from neighboring countries in the sub-region that do not have direct diplomatic representation.
The meeting concluded on a particularly encouraging forward-looking note, with the Ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission expressing their desire to visit the National Haziratu'l-Quds (the administrative headquarters of the Bahá’ís of Cameroon) in the near future. This prospect promises to open new avenues for dialogue and collaboration between the Bahá’í community and the diplomatic missions in Yaoundé.