OLIVIA YACÉ STANDS TALL AS SHE RESIGNS MISS UNIVERSE AFRICA & OCEANIA TITLE, HIGHLIGHTING LONG-STANDING BIAS AGAINST AFRICAN BEAUTY
Miss Côte d’Ivoire Olivia Manuela Yacé has officially stepped down from her titles as Miss Universe Africa & Oceania and 4th Runner Up, a decision announced on November 24 in Bangkok. According to OMICI, the Miss Universe Organisation has already been formally notified, with Yacé set to return her Africa and Oceania sash with immediate effect.
In her powerful resignation statement, Olivia explained that the move was guided by her values, not defeat. “To continue on this path, I must remain true to my values: respect, dignity, excellence, and equal opportunity — the strongest pillars that guide me.” She stressed that stepping away was necessary to “fully reach my potential” and remain anchored in principles that “pave the way toward excellence.”
Her decision has revived ongoing conversations across the continent about how global pageants have historically treated African contestants. Despite Africa birthing some of the world’s most commanding beauty queens — from South Sudan to Angola, Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire itself — their journeys are often shadowed by inconsistent judgment, limited visibility, and the subtle sidelining of darker-skinned contestants.
Yacé hinted at this imbalance, calling out the “diminished role” she was given despite carrying an entire region on her shoulders. She reaffirmed her mission to uplift young girls who see themselves in her: “My greatest wish is to be a role model for the new generation… to proudly embrace their identity.”
Her statement also challenged global systems that still treat African beauty as an exception rather than a standard, urging Black and Afro-descendant communities to “continue entering spaces where you are not expected,” insisting that African presence “matters, and our voices must be heard.”
Olivia’s departure is not a retreat — it is a declaration. A dignified protest. A reminder that African beauty has always been powerful, whether or not a crown acknowledges it. And in true queen fashion, she closed with a message that resonates far beyond the pageant world:
“IT’S TIME FOR AFRICA.”
FashionGHANA.com stands firmly with Olivia Yacé, celebrating her courage, her voice, and her unwavering commitment to African pride. And at FashionGHANA we will call out these pageants no matter if the rest of the world celebrates these Hand-Me-Down charity titles they keep giving to black beauties.
Source: fashionghana.com
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