Now that the first lady of the United States is past her first 100 days in "office," a host of profiles and tributes and pop theses on her appeal have started to appear: The NEW YORK TIMES wrote about how Obama's staff has maintained tight-fisted control over her public image; while the WASHINGTON POST describes her transformation "from a potential campaign liability into America's newest sweetheart and No. 1 cover girl, every bit as popular as her husband."

But when it comes to popularity and, face it—sheer fiercetude—one fabulous first lady sems to give the beloved Obama a run for her money: Chantal Biya, First Lady of Cameroon. Biya, married to president Paul Biya of Cameroon, wears a signature pompadour hairstyle known to folks in Cameroon as "la banane". She's pictured here at the United Nations with Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, first lady of France—who held her own with Michelle, but doesn't even appear to be trying with Madame Biya.

—DAYO OLOPADE