On March 15, 2026, Leslie Halleur-Echaroux Djoufack, originally from Dschang, was elected mayor of Saint-Mammès, a French commune located in Île-de-France. This historic victory makes her the first woman to hold this position since 1789.
The election was closely contested, with Leslie Djoufack winning 50.50% of the votes cast. Facing Joël Surier, she successfully convinced the voters of Saint-Mammès. The municipal elections took place on March 15, 2026, with polling stations open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Born in Cameroon, Leslie Djoufack pursued an academic path between Dschang and Europe, earning a Master's degree. She currently works as a civil servant at the French Public Treasury. Her commitment doesn't stop there: she contributed to the reconstruction of her former nursery school in Dschang, improving the learning conditions for children.
Her election is seen as a message of hope for Cameroonian youth, proving that origin is not a barrier to success. It demonstrates that it is possible to lead a city in France while remaining attached to one's African roots. Leslie Djoufack, 37, is a mother of four. She arrived in the commune of Saint-Mammès 10 years ago, where she became involved in community life, particularly within the parents' association, of which she became president. In 2020, she became deputy mayor for social affairs.
After two years, disagreements with Mayor Joël Surier over the management of the commune led her to resign from her position as deputy mayor, while continuing to invest in local community life.
With 1,309 votes cast out of 2,483 registered, Saint-Mammès expressed a desire for change. Leslie Djoufack's victory marks a new chapter for this commune in Seine-et-Marne.
