Hanoi:The Minister of Culture, Pingdwend Gilbert Oudraogo, has announced plans to lift the suspension on beauty pageants that was imposed in June 2026. These events will return in a new format that emphasizes the promotion of Burkinabè cultural values.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the minister outlined that the revised pageants will encourage participants to highlight cultural attributes, such as wearing traditional Faso Danfani and KokDunda outfits that adhere to decent standards.

The initiative also aims to spotlight African hairstyles, including traditional braids, as part of a broader effort to celebrate Burkinabè culture. The suspension was initially enacted to align these events with the nation’s cultural heritage and the ideals of the Popular Progressive Revolution.

The government had halted all beauty pageants across the country on June 8, 2026, to better regulate the sector. Minister Oudraogo stressed that the reorganization is intended to shift the focus from physical beauty to intellectual and cultural expression, akin to the Hakili Mousso concept.

The planned resumption of these events is designed to serve as a platform for promoting Burkinabè culture, values, and skills, transcending beyond mere physical appearances.