In a ceremony held on Saturday, the city of Douala bestowed the prestigious Medal of Honor upon Princesse Issie, Miss Cameroon 2023, and the first Central African beauty queen to have featured in the top 20 at the Miss Universe competition.
Born and raised in Douala, Princesse’s journey to the apex of international pageantry began within the walls of her hometown.
Debuting with local contests like Miss Douala Fiesta and Miss Littoral, she steadily climbed the ladder of success, culminating in her crowning as Miss Cameroon 2023.
But her ambition didn’t stop there. At the Miss Universe competition, Princesse etched her name in history by becoming the first Central African woman to reach the coveted top 20.
Receiving the Medal of Honor from the City Mayor of Douala, Mr. Roger Mbassa Ndine, was a moment of immense pride for Princesse. “This recognition is dedicated to everyone who has supported and helped me on my journey,” she declared. “I especially thank the Douala Urban Community Communications Service for their unwavering support.”
“This honor goes beyond personal achievement. It serves as a testament to the talent and potential that reside within the city of Douala and Cameroon as a whole,” Princesse added. “This recognition is an invitation to redouble efforts to make the city of Douala and Cameroon shine more internationally.”
For Douala, the celebration of Princesse’s achievements signifies more than just individual success. “It is a beacon of hope, a symbol of inspiration for young girls across the city and the nation. As an honorary citizen of her beloved Douala, Princesse carries the dreams and aspirations of countless individuals, her journey serving as a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in oneself.”
But Issie would have needed more support while she represented and defended the country’s flag in El Salvador, during the 2023 Miss World competition. “I found myself isolated in El Salvador, with no Cameroonian flag in sight,” she told the media when she returned to Cameroon.
Issie’s mandate will be ending this year, as it is just a one-year mandate, and so far, she has made strong and outstanding contributions to the empowerment of young girls looking up to her. She has been seen actively involved in supporting victims of unfortunate events like the Mbankolo landslide and the recent Mamfe massacre.
