Trump’s visa curbs force 2 African contestants to withdraw from Miss Universe

US President Donald Trump

Two African contestants have withdrawn from this year's Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico after failing to secure US visas due to travel restrictions imposed by President Donald Trump's administration. Two other contestants from the continent are also facing uncertainty over their participation as they await visa approvals.

According to ABC News, representatives from Zambia and the Republic of Congo have pulled out of the competition after being unable to obtain visas, while contestants from South Sudan and Zimbabwe are still waiting for travel documents.

The US has imposed sweeping travel restrictions affecting dozens of countries, including several African nations, through proclamations issued during Trump's second administration. In December last year, the administration expanded the restrictions to include Zambia and Zimbabwe, while maintaining a full suspension of entry for nationals of the Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

Miss Universe Zambia organisers announced this week that their representative, Mubanga Pamela Hatyoka, would not be able to participate, saying she deserved the opportunity to represent her country. In the Republic of Congo, Georgina Kambongo, who became the country's first-ever Miss Universe representative, has also been forced to withdraw. National organisers said her inability to travel to Puerto Rico was solely linked to Trump's travel restrictions.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe's representative, Roseanna Hall, said she was still hopeful of securing a visa despite the delays. "American visa challenges have delayed that journey, but the fight is not over," Hall said in a social media post, adding that she was not giving up after months of preparation.

South Sudan's representative, Adut Deng, also faces an uncertain participation. Organisers said efforts to secure the necessary travel documents and approvals had been underway for months.

The 75th edition of Miss Universe is expected to feature up to 120 contestants. Delegates began arriving in Puerto Rico on Sunday for rehearsals and preliminary events. The national costume competition is scheduled for November 21, followed by the swimsuit and evening gown segments on November 22. The winner will be crowned on November 24.