Maëllys Ngo Mboui crowned Miss Cameroon 2026

Maëllys Ngo Mboui, a 19-year-old Franco-Cameroonian representing the French diaspora, was crowned Miss Cameroon 2026 on September 19 at the Palais des Congrès in Yaoundé. The 19th edition of the pageant, organized by COMICA, focused on the theme of combating cybercriminality.

Ngo Mboui, who holds a double degree in economics-management and mathematics-informatics, succeeds Audrey Moutongo Black. Her victory has sparked significant debate regarding national identity and the role of the diaspora. Politician Serge Espoir Matomba criticized the election, arguing that the pageant promotes foreign beauty standards and cultural erasure rather than celebrating traditional Cameroonian customs, textiles, and hairstyles.

This edition follows a period of institutional tension for the pageant, including the high-profile removal of former Miss Cameroon Josiane Harangada Golonga in February. The ceremony was held in the presence of First Lady Chantal Biya.