US Visa Curbs Cloud African Miss Universe Participation

U.S. travel restrictions have disrupted African contestants’ participation in the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico. Zambia withdrew its representative, Pamela Mubanga, and the Miss Universe Zambia organization said the decision stemmed from government restrictions affecting the country, not personal or organizational issues. Zimbabwe’s Roseanna Hall has been unable to secure a visa despite repeated efforts, leaving her participation uncertain, while South Sudan’s representative has also raised concerns. Organizers said contestants from five additional African countries face similar difficulties but did not name them.