Cameroun/Sanaga-Maritime: The first-ever "Lek Ihendel" Christmas Market brings the department to life
From December 11 to 14, 2025, Sanaga-Maritime, in the Littoral region of Cameroon, played host to a first-of-its-kind event with the first-ever Christmas Market, dubbed "Lek Ihendel". Organized on the edge of the Massock-Songloulou and Ngambè communes, this festive event is part of the Matemb (the return) project, initially promoted by Logkat nationals and the diaspora. A cultural and commercial event
Located on the natural border between Massock-Songloulou and Ngambè, the "Lek Ihendel" Christmas Market symbolized the unity and complementarity of the Sanaga-Maritime communities.Lek Ihendel" symbolized the unity and complementarity of the Sanaga-Maritime communities. For four days, this space served as a focal point for the local population, visitors and cultural and economic players, in a warm and friendly atmosphere befitting the end-of-year festivities.
The choice of site is not insignificant: it reflects a desire to bring communities closer together and to pool local initiatives in the service of territorial development.
"Lek Ihendel", a Christmas market with a local flavour
Much more than just a market, "Lek Ihendel" is a showcase for local know-how. Handicrafts, traditional dishes, decorative objects, cultural events and a variety of stalls punctuated the event, highlighting the cultural and economic wealth of the area.
The strong mobilization of the local population testified to their support for this initiative, seen as an opportunity to promote local talent and stimulate the local economy.
Matemb (the return): the Diaspora at the heart of development
The Christmas Market is part of the Matemb (the return) project, an initiative initially driven by Logkat nationals and the diaspora. Today, it's led by the natives of 110 villages in the Massock-Songloulou and Ngambè arrondissements. Among these leaders is Nestor Hemle, Expert in Decentralization, Territorial Development and Decentralized Cooperation. Through this project, the movement intends to contribute actively to local development, by encouraging cultural transmission, community investment, promotion of the local economy and strengthening links between generations.
"Lek Ihendel" is thus a concrete illustration of the Diaspora's commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
"I'd like to ask the promoter to tell Mr. Hemle Nestor that the Matemb concept, like all great things, starts small, but I've noticed that the bar has been set very, very high. I'd like to reassure you that the public authorities, which I represent, will support you all the way to the train station. The station is Cameroon's emergence by 2035, the goal set by His Excellency Paul Biya, Head of State. Let me say that Matemb, far from being a concept, should be an opportunity to unite everyone's energies, so that all those who are idle in Douala, Edéa, Yaoundé, Limbé,..., come back to develop this village ", stressed Landry Oscar Ngui, Sub-Prefect of Massock-Songloulou.
A meeting place for social cohesion
Beyond its commercial and festive dimension, the Christmas Market has served as a framework for dialogue, sharing and cultural mixing. It encouraged exchanges between rural populations, local elites and young people, while strengthening the sense of community belonging.
Towards the perpetuation of a new tradition
With this successful first edition, the "Lek Ihendel" Christmas Market is laying the foundations for a tradition destined to become a permanent fixture on the local cultural agenda. The organizers have set their sights on making it an annual event, capable of attracting more visitors and partners, while enhancing the attractiveness of the region.
In Massock-Songloulou, Ngambè and other localities in the Sanaga-Maritime region, "Lek Ihendel" has already has already found its place as a Christmas market of identity, solidarity and hope for the future.
Marie Judith Ndongo
