On March 15, 2026, history was made for the village of Menouet, located in the Menoua department of Cameroon. Three women from this royal chiefdom were elected in the French municipal elections. These elections, which took place on the same day, saw Princess Leslie Vanessa Djoufack, Princess Julienne Geneviève Djoufack, and Queen Hermine Rigaud win elective mandates in different cities in France.
Menouet, a village in the West region of Cameroon, is distinguished by the fact that its daughters bear royal titles and, from now on, also hold elective office in France. Their victories are all the more remarkable because they were achieved in the first round of the municipal elections.
Princess Leslie Vanessa Djoufack Batoba made history by becoming the first female mayor of Saint-Mammès, a town in Seine-et-Marne. This municipality, whose origins date back to well before the French Revolution, has thus elected its first magistrate.
In the same region, Princess Julienne Geneviève Djoufack Nangoum was elected municipal councillor in Melun, the prefecture of Seine-et-Marne. Her election helps strengthen the presence of women of Cameroonian origin in French decision-making bodies.
Finally, Hermine Rigaud, Queen of Menouet, was re-elected deputy mayor of Chevilly-Larue, a municipality in Val-de-Marne. This is her fifth consecutive term in this city, a testament to the confidence that voters place in her.
The official installation of the three elected officials is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2026 in their respective town halls. In Menouet, the royal chiefdom is preparing to organize a large celebration in their honor, in order to offer them the blessings of the ancestors and to celebrate this historic event. "Above all, we give thanks to our ancestors," said His Majesty Fowamenouet, Aby Donfack François, head of the royal chiefdom of Menouet.
These French municipal elections of 2026 were marked by a breakthrough of far-right and radical left parties. These elections are seen as a crucial test of the political temperature before next year's French presidential election.
One village, three elected officials in France: a strong symbol that African roots can be an asset.
