Burkina Faso: why authorities suspended all beauty pageants

On June 8, 2026, Burkina Faso's Ministry of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism announced the suspension of all beauty pageants nationwide. The decision, signed by Director General Noélie Congo Salouka, aims to revise the regulatory framework to strengthen oversight and align events with state cultural guidelines. No permits will be issued until new rules are adopted. The suspension follows ongoing debates about selection criteria and the portrayal of Burkinabe women in these competitions.