The dismissal of Josiane Harangada Golonga from her title as Miss Cameroon 2025 has sparked a wave of reactions and disappointment among the Cameroonian public. Academics, content producers, students, and many observers are expressing their support for the young woman and questioning the real motivations of the Miss Cameroon Organizing Committee (COMICA).
COMICA justifies its decision with four main reasons: unjustified absences from several official events, disrespectful remarks and attitudes towards the institution, unilateral termination of activities related to her mandate, and the use of a personal manager in violation of contractual clauses. However, Josiane Harangada Golonga's lawyer puts forward different reasons, citing abuse, marginal treatment, stigmatization, and insults against his client because of her northern origins. These allegations highlight a possible "tribalization" within COMICA, thus fueling hate speech online.
Public figures have taken a stand in favor of Josiane Harangada Golonga. Pr Félicité Owona Mfegue praises her choice to keep her ebony skin, a strong political act in a country where many young women seek to lighten their skin. For her, it is unacceptable to dismiss a "national ward" elected by the people. Steve Fah, a content producer, also emphasizes the young woman's qualities of dignity, work, and authenticity, contrasting with the image often associated with Miss Cameroon, made of luxury and artificial appearances.
Pr Félicité Owona encourages Josiane Harangada Golonga to enroll in law school to defend voiceless Misses, while Steve Fah calls on the First Lady to protect the image of Cameroonian women. These positions reflect a deep unease about the management of the Miss Cameroon competition and the representation of Cameroonian beauty.
This dismissal is not an isolated case in COMICA's history. Agathe Pascaline Nomgne (2002), Anne Lucrèce Ntep (2009), and Julie Cheugueu Nguimfack (2016) have also been stripped of their titles. In 2016, Audrey Aboula, the runner-up, resigned and published a book denouncing the behind-the-scenes of the competition. Béatrice Doudou, Miss Africa 2017 and runner-up Miss Cameroon 2018, advised young girls to learn about and understand the commitments and sometimes hidden realities of beauty contests, inviting them to never betray their values.
Founded in 2002 by Ingrid Solange Amougou, COMICA's mission is to organize the Miss Cameroon competition. The event is supposed to promote the culture and beauty of the young Cameroonian girl. However, the recurring scandals tarnish the image of the competition and raise questions about its governance and transparency.
The first runner-up, Audrey Moutongo, will be the interim until the next election. The Josiane Harangada Golonga affair highlights the persistent tensions between the Misses and COMICA, as well as the need to reform the contractual framework and organization of the competition.
