Culture and colour come out in praise of a king

ReutersCapt Ibrahim Traoré seized power three years ago amid concerns about the failure to quell jihadist violenceBurkina Faso's military junta has dissolved the electoral commission, citing its cost, and will now have the interior ministry oversee elections. Under Capt Ibrahim Traoré, who has ruled since September 2022, the transition to democracy has been extended to July 2029, raising concerns over human rights abuses and increasing jihadist attacks. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Burkina...

Ruth Chepngetich, the women's marathon world record holder, has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for the banned diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), with a sample showing 3,800 ng/mL collected on 14 March. Chepngetich, who set the record of 2:09:56 at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, voluntarily accepted the suspension on 19 April while the AIU's investigation continues. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Ruth Chepngetich, a fast runner who set...

Ons Jabeur is stepping back from tennis for her wellbeing, withdrawing from the Montreal Open and not entering the US Open, marking her as the only top 99 player absent. The two-time Wimbledon runner-up expressed her need to prioritize her happiness and health after a challenging season filled with injuries and disappointment. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Ons Jabeur is taking a break from playing tennis to feel better and be happy again....

A ban on wigs, hair extensions, and skin-lightening products at Senegal's Grand Théâtre, aimed at promoting Pan-African values, was swiftly reversed following public backlash over perceived gender policing and cultural nationalism. Critics highlighted broader issues of gender inequality and the politicization of cultural identity, revealing deep societal tensions in Senegal. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A theatre in Senegal tried to ban wigs and skin-lightening products to promote African culture, but many people...

Record nine-time champions Nigeria and hosts Morocco are set to compete in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, beginning Friday. BBC Sport Africa's Celestine Karoney highlights key matchups and expectations for the last eight ties in this significant tournament. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Nigeria and Morocco, two strong soccer teams, are playing in the quarter-finals of a big women's tournament this Friday! Want More Context? 🔎

An "unbelievably rare" Martian meteorite, weighing 54lb and measuring nearly 15in long, sold for $4.3m at a New York auction, making it the largest piece of Mars ever found on Earth. Discovered in Niger in November 2023, it is 70% larger than the next biggest Martian meteorite, with total costs reaching about $5.3m after taxes and fees. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A really big piece of Mars rock, the largest ever found...