Africa: AU Police Need a Greater Hand in Peace and Security Governance

A selection of the week's best photos from across the African continent and beyond:Highlights include a mural in Somalia, a swimmer at the World Aquatics Championships, and celebrations at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Other notable events feature protests in The Gambia, cultural festivals in Morocco, and a mural unveiling in Cape Town for Nelson Mandela Day. Want More Context? 🔎

Benin has appointed American filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, as ambassadors to strengthen ties with the African diaspora, promoting cultural tourism and heritage reclamation. This initiative includes a citizenship law for descendants of enslaved Africans, aiming to reconnect them with their roots, amidst positive local reception in Cotonou. Want More Context? 🔎

African Players in Premier League TeamsVarious Premier League teams feature African players, including Bournemouth's Dango Ouattara and Hamed Traore, Brentford's Yoane Wissa and Frank Onyeka, and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah. Notably, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Leeds, and Newcastle currently have no African players in their first-team squads. Want More Context? 🔎

Rescue operations are ongoing at an artisanal gold mine in Lomera, Democratic Republic of Congo, following the collapse of several shafts, leaving an unknown number of miners trapped and casualties unconfirmed. The area, now controlled by M23 rebels, has seen an influx of miners since gold was discovered in December, turning the once quiet village into a hub for fortune seekers. Want More Context? 🔎

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for damaging waves expected south of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, from Friday to Saturday night, which may lead to disruptions and navigational challenges. Meanwhile, the rest of the country can anticipate cloudy and cool weather with scattered showers. Want More Context? 🔎

Kenya's Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) reported that police used "disproportionate force" during recent protests, resulting in 65 deaths, primarily due to police actions. The protests, sparked by police brutality and government policies, saw significant violence, with President Ruto controversially ordering police to injure rather than kill protesters. Want More Context? 🔎