Africa's week in pictures: 25 - 31 August

A selection of the best photos from across Africa and beyond this week.

Diver ‘Merman Mike’ finds your treasures under water

A California scuba diver returns lost trinkets to their owners for free and picks up trash along the way.

Antique statue seized in US looting inquiry

The statue, believed from Turkey, is part of an antiquities smuggling probe, NY investigators say.

Sarina Wiegman: England boss dedicates Uefa coach of the year award to Spain

England head coach Sarina Wiegman dedicates the Uefa women's coach of the year award to Spain's national team.

Clarence Thomas: US Supreme Court judge acknowledges paid-for trips

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has been at the centre of a row over paid-for trips and gifts.

Is India exporting food inflation to the world?

India is keeping domestic food prices in check with export bans - but what does this mean for the world?

Nuclear weapons testing cause of radioactivity in wild boars, study says

Scientists previously believed Chernobyl was the main cause of radioactivity in Europe's wild boars.

Rubiales' mother taken to hospital after hunger strike

The mother of Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales is hospitalised after going on hunger strike in protest at the treatment of her son, a local priest says.

Canada warns LGBT travellers of US risks

The Canadian government warns that some US states have enacted laws that may affect LBGT people.

Russia’s kamikaze drones raining down on Ukraine's east

The BBC’s Quentin Sommervillle witnesses Russia's increasingly sophisticated drone attacks.

Nagorno-Karabakh: 'People are fainting queuing up for bread'

Azerbaijan's nine-month blockade of disputed territory Nagorno-Karabakh takes its toll on residents.

Netflix: Streamers expansion into gaming is 'natural extension'

Streaming hits such as the Queen's Gambit are being adapted as games as the streamer looks to expand.

On patrol with Tunisia's coast guard: Nine boats in 24 hours

BBC team spends 24 hours with Tunisia's coast guard, as it finds people desperate to cross continents.

Ukraine war: 'Drone attack' hits airport in northwest Russia city of Pskov

An unconfirmed Russian media report says four transport planes have been damaged at Pskov airport.

Rare footage of St Elmo's Fire as hurricane approaches

Pilots evacuating from a Florida military base caught the electrical storm from the cockpit.

Ukraine war: Hundreds bid farewell to fighter ace Juice

Hundreds attend a wake for Andrii Pilshchykov, one of Ukraine's most celebrated fighter pilots.

India Club in London: Iconic restaurant to shut after 70 years

The India Club in London, which was set up in the 1950s, is set to close in September.

Texas man shoots through door to fend off robbers

Burglars posing as repair men tried to break through the door when they believed nobody was home.

Bears encroach on evacuated Canadian town of Yellowknife

After wildfires forced residents to leave, bears have been seen in the empty streets.

A muddy reveal for mysterious West Point time capsule from 1820s

West Point academy unveiled the contents of a nearly 200-year-old lead box. They were unexpected.

Zambia-Egypt plane seizure: The cash and fake gold that no-one is claiming

Mystery surrounds a plane from Egypt loaded with money, fake gold and guns that was seized in Zambia.

China’s summer of climate destruction

China sees both extreme heat and devastating floods, including in areas where flooding was unheard of.

How robotaxis are dividing San Francisco

The city has become the crucible of an experiment - are robotaxis ready for the streets?

The mobile game funding a revolution in Myanmar

Resistance to the military has come in many forms, including the development of an app-based game.

France to ban female students from wearing abayas in state schools

The education minister says female Muslim students will not be allowed to wear the loose-fitting robe.

Mancini named new Saudi Arabia football coach

Roberto Mancini is named the new manager of Saudi Arabia two weeks after he resigned as Italy head coach.

Jacksonville shooter, 21, who killed three 'wrote racist manifestos'

The man who shot dead three Black people had a "disgusting ideology of hate", Jacksonville's sheriff says.

The indiscriminate devastation of Canada's raging wildfires

Fires in western Canada have burned homes and ripped up trees, laying them down "like toothpicks".

Emmerson Mnangagwa: 'The Crocodile' wins second term as Zimbabwe president

Mnangagwa is only Zimbabwe's second president, after he outmanoeuvred long-time ruler Robert Mugabe in a 2017 coup.

Jacksonville shooting: Several dead at Dollar General store in Florida

A man opened fire and barricaded himself in a store before being shot dead by police, reports say.

Ukraine war: Fighter ace and two other pilots killed in mid-air crash

Andrii Pilshchykov won fame taking part in dogfights over Kyiv during the early phase of Russia's invasion.

Bob Barker, who hosted The Price Is Right for 35 years, dies aged 99

Barker was the face of The Price Is Right, the longest-running game show in the US, for 35 years.

The Rubiales World Cup kiss row... in 75 seconds

The controversy concerning the head of Spanish football and a kiss at the Women's World Cup final explained.

Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso unleashes social tsunami in Spain

The Spanish FA's president kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips has sparked a national conversation.

Spain Hermoso: Fans and players protest over Rubiales kiss

Protesters rallied at the Spanish Football Federation HQ to demand the resignation of Luis Rubiales after he kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips.

Dutch Grand Prix 2023: Zandvoort imposes car ban on travelling F1 fans

The event in Zandvoort aspires to be the most sustainable race on the F1 calendar.

Gladstone family urged to pay slavery reparations to Jamaica

Family of the former prime minister are accused of ignoring the case for reparations in Jamaica.

France to spend €200m destroying wine as demand falls

A cocktail of problems hit the industry, including demand for wine falling as more people drink craft beer.

Niger junta gives French envoy 48 hours to leave

France says the coup leaders have no authority to order such an expulsion, as ties deteriorate rapidly.

Kleenex is pulling out of Canada due to 'unique complexities'

Kimberly-Clark is pulling its consumer facial tissues from Canada, citing “unique complexities".

Africa's week in pictures: 18-24 August 2023

A selection of the best photos from the African continent and beyond.

US government sues Elon Musk's SpaceX over hiring policy

The US Department of Justice says rocket firm discriminated against refugees and asylum seekers.

Putin breaks silence over Prigozhin's reported death

The Russian president says the Wagner group boss was a "talented person" who made "serious mistakes".

Ros Atkins on... potential causes of the Prigozhin plane crash

The BBC's Analysis Editor takes a look at four different potential causes of the plane crash.

Yevgeny Prigozhin: Wagner challenged Putin and now its leader is dead

If Yevgeny Prigozhin's death is revenge, it sends a clear message to Russians, writes Steve Rosenberg.

Key moments from Republican presidential debate so far

It was a race to see who out of eight candidates would make a splash during the first Republican debate.

Trump's surrender at Georgia jail explained...in 90 seconds

When the former president turns himself in on Thursday it will be unlike any of his previous cases

Nepal gay marriage 'victory' hits legal roadblock

A historic court order gave Nepal's same sex couples hope, only for them to have their hopes dashed.

Ros Atkins on... Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin

The BBC's analysis editor Ros Atkins takes a look at Yevgeny Prigozhin throughout the years.

Russia: Video shows plane crash in Kuzhenkino

Online footage appears to show a plane falling from the sky, the BBC has been able to verify the location.

How South Africa's oldest Quran was saved by Cape Town Muslims

Written by a political prisoner, it is now kept in a bullet-proof casing in a Cape Town mosque.

Lyman: Russian strikes kill three in eastern Ukraine

Two villages are attacked near the city of Lyman, leaving three dead and two wounded.

Pakistan cable car: Children brought to safety along zip line

The last two occupants of a cable car dangling over a ravine in northern Pakistan are rescued after nightfall.

Near miss as car hurtles into Arizona salon

A driver in her 90s reportedly lost control of her car and ploughed into an Arizona business lobby.

Tropical Storm Harold makes landfall in Texas

A second tropical storm hits the US as Harold slams Texas while California cleans up after Hilary.

Pakistan cable car: student brought to safety in zip line rescue

Pakistan student brought to safety in zip line rescue

What to know about the first Republican debate

At least seven candidates will use the forum to make their case to likely Republican voters this week.

Canada wildfires: Trudeau criticises Facebook over news ban amid crisis

The prime minister accuses the company of putting profits over safety amid Canada's wildfire crisis.

X removes Holocaust denying post after Auschwitz Museum criticism

The Auschwitz Museum reported the post but was initially told by X it did not break safety rules.

Greece wildfires: Authorities on alert for new spate of blazes

Officials warn that high temperatures and strong winds on Tuesday could see more devastating fires.

China cuts key interest rate as recovery falters

The country's post-Covid recovery has been hit by a property crisis, falling exports and weak consumer spending.

Donald Trump confirms he will skip Republican presidential debates

The US ex-president says he is far ahead of his rivals in the 2024 White House race and the public knows him.

Maiden Pharmaceuticals: Fury in The Gambia a year after cough syrup deaths

Grieving parents say regulators in both India and The Gambia failed their young children.

Olga Carmona told after Women's World Cup final that father has died

Olga Carmona, who scored Spain's winner in the Women's World Cup final, is told after the game against England that her father has died.

Niger coup leader Gen Tchiani promises to handover power in three years

Gen Tchiani said that Niger did not want a war but would defend itself against foreign intervention.

Ecuador chooses president amid spike in violence

The campaign was overshadowed by a wave of shootings, including the assassination of a candidate.

Baghdad advertising boards turned off over porn screening

Electronic screens were shut down after a hacker used one to run a pornographic film.

Ukraine war: Russia says drone injures five at Kursk railway station

Kyiv is accused of attacking the transport hub in Kursk - and also the Rostov and Moscow regions.

Canada wildfires: At least 30,000 households told to evacuate as fires approach

Officials have restricted travel to Kelowna, a waterside city of 132,000 people.

Sudan conflict: Black market AK-47s flood Sudan's capital

Khartoum has become lawless after four months of war, forcing some residents to arm themselves.

Miyu Pranoto: Dance prodigy, 9, blazes trail for girls

Miyu is shattering conventions as she breakdances her way to fame.

Vietnam War: The pastor who survived 17 years in forgotten jungle army

In 1975, Y Hin Nie fled the Vietnamese army into the jungle. He didn't emerge until 1992.

New shooting mars election campaign in Ecuador

Another shootout prompts a call to tackle gang violence ahead of Sunday's presidential vote.

WeWork: What went wrong for the much-hyped firm?

The office space-sharing company has raised "substantial doubt" about its future.

Canada wildfires: 'It started raining pine cones and tree bark'

Todd Ramsay filmed trees ablaze as he and his family fled wildfire in British Columbia.

Twitter, now X, to remove blocking feature

Elon Musk says the feature "makes no sense", but users are concerned about protection from abuse.

Ecuador election: Narco politics rule ahead of polls

A rise in drug crime in the once-peaceful country has dominated the build-up to Sunday's election.

Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh: More rain, less snow are turning Himalayas dangerous

Landslides and flash floods have killed dozens India's Himalayan states this month.

Wildfire evacuees frustrated by Facebook news ban in Canada

Canadians are using Facebook to share information on fire updates but Meta's news ban is a hurdle.

Abused and stalked, US election workers are bracing for 2024

Threats to blow up polling stations. Police protection. Ballot counters in hiding. A grim new reality.

Transgender women banned from women's chess events

The ruling by the International Chess Federation is drawing criticism from some players.

Channel migrants: France arrests four people over fatal sinking

The suspects may face charges including manslaughter after six people died last weekend.

Pascale Ferrier jailed for 22 years for mailing Donald Trump ricin

Pascale Ferrier, a dual citizen of Canada and France, said she regretted that her plan to "stop Trump" failed.

Ukraine war: University students grapple with rules under conflict

War time rules are making it tougher for Ukrainians to pick where or if to go to university.

Trevian Kutti: Who is ex-Kanye West publicist indicted with Trump?

The celebrity publicist is accused of involvement in a plot to pressure a Georgia election worker.

Syria doubles public-sector pay and cuts subsidies as economy sinks

Hardship caused by a collapsing currency and hyperinflation has sparked protests in government areas.

Mob attacks churches in Pakistan blasphemy row

Police say at least four churches were set on fire in Jaranwala, in the province of eastern Punjab.

The Killers booed at Georgia concert after bringing Russian fan on stage

Brandon Flowers asked concert goers to welcome a fan from neighbouring Russia, the band later apologised.

Afghan women escape for a chance at education

More than 450 women from Afghanistan have escaped the country to study abroad.

Trump's court and campaign schedule is looking chaotic

Seeking the White House while facing multiple civil and criminal trials will keep Donald Trump very busy in 2024.

Texas woman awarded $1.2bn in revenge porn case

The woman sued her ex-boyfriend for posting intimate photos of her online to "publicly shame" her.

Rudy Giuliani jailed mobsters with a charge he now faces

The "Rico" Act helped earn Rudy Giuliani a reputation as a "mob buster". Now he's facing a Rico charge.

Weak currency boosts Japanese economy

The weakness of the yen has helped Japanese exporters as it makes their products cheaper overseas.

Michael Oher, subject of The Blind Side, alleges 'adoptive parents' tricked him

Former NFL star Michael Oher accuses a couple of wrongfully making millions of dollars off his name.

Why fashion brands are putting celebrities in charge

Celebrities are winning jobs at the top of luxury fashion firms - but what can they really contribute?

At least 12 die in inferno at petrol station in southern Russia

Fire engulfs an area of 500 sq m (5,380 sq ft) in Makhachkala, in the southern region of Dagestan.

Israelis seek opportunities abroad amid unrest at home

A poll suggests as many as one in three Israelis are considering leaving the country over the crisis.

When a 'fire hurricane' hit, Maui's warning sirens never sounded

Lahaina residents tell the BBC they had no official warning before "fire hurricane" engulfed their town.

Boy survives 100ft Grand Canyon fall after dodging tourist photo

The teenager suffered serious injuries when he plunged nearly 100ft (30m).

Egypt Rabaa killings pain lingers 10 years on

Grief and anger persist, 10 years after a notorious mass killing at a protest camp in Cairo.

Talking to the Taliban: Right or wrong?

Whether world leaders should engage with the Taliban government is complicated, writes Lyse Doucet.

Cambodia: Thousands of war-era explosives found buried at high school

Thousands of unexploded munitions were discovered buried in the grounds of a high school.

Mutanjan: The meat-and-rice dessert loved by Indian royals

For Muslims of the Indian subcontinent, mutanjan is a special dish, layered with memories and emotions.

Maui fire: Search for victims intensifies after 80 deaths

Hundreds of people are still unaccounted for days after wildfires broke out in Hawaii.

E-bikes: Can this battery-swapping tech unchoke cities? We took a ride

We take a ride on an e-bike powered by the largest world's largest battery-swapping network.

Hawaii wildfires: Drone footage shows extent devastation in Lahaina

Charred trees, burnt out cars and collapsed buildings lie among the ashes left by the wildfires.

Harry Kane's move to Germany... in 68 seconds

The striker, 30, is leaving Tottenham and is set to sign a deal worth more than 110m euros (£95m)

Hawaii fires: How Pinky's famous truck saved lives in Lahaina

Lynette “Pinky” Iverson drove "at least a dozen" people to safety in the back of her pickup truck.

Judge Chuktan warns Trump against 'inflammatory' remarks before trial

But former US president gets a legal win in battle over what he can say before election fraud trial.

Hawaii fires are now the deadliest natural disaster in state history

The death toll rose on Friday to 67, making these fires Hawaii's deadliest natural disaster.

Niger coup: Fear and anger in Niamey as Ecowas threatens force

People are already feeling the impact of economic sanctions imposed after a military coup.

China floods: The families torn apart by 'huge, furious waves'

Survivors recall seeing their relatives disappear in muddy torrents spawned by incessant rains.

Ukraine war: Sex lives in focus for Ukraine's injured veterans

The charity ReSex is providing guidance for wounded soldiers looking for help with their sex lives.

Yemen: Oil salvaged from abandoned 'time bomb' tanker in Red Sea

It was feared the decaying vessel left floating in the Red Sea could explode or cause a major spill.

Staged videos fuel religious hate and misogyny in India

Scripted videos, apparently created for entertainment, are being shared to make them seem like real events.

Africa's week in pictures: 4 - 10 August 2023

A selection of the best photos from the African continent and beyond.

Jon Goodwin: I thought Parkinson's was end of space dream

Passenger Jon explains he was diagnosed with the disease several years after he bought his ticket.

Georgia doctor decapitated baby using 'excessive force' in delivery

Dr Tracey St Julian is being sued for gross negligence and fraud by the parents.

Famous tree and centuries-old church hit by Hawaii fires

There are fears the rich history and culture of Lahaina, hit by Hawaii wildfires, may have been destroyed.

Canada accuses China of targeting lawmaker in misinformation campaign

Beijing denies the claim it was behind a campaign to target a member of parliament with misinformation.

Storm Hans: Floodwaters in Norway send mobile home crashing into bridge

Several caravans are seen floating down the Hemsila river in Norway before being crushed.

US to bar and screen some tech investments in China

The move gives the government new oversight over foreign dealings by private firms.

Search warrant was issued for Donald Trump's Twitter account

Prosecutor Jack Smith requested data and records linked to the ex-president, unsealed files reveal.

Lizzo: Lawyers reviewing at least six new allegations against singer

Lawyers representing three of Lizzo's former dancers say they are reviewing new complaints against her.

Niger coup: Fact-checking misinformation spreading online

False claims have been circulating online since the military took over in Niger.

Texas woman seriously injured after hawk drops snake on her

A passing hawk dropped a snake on Peggy Jones while she mowed grass, leading to a three-way struggle.

Colombian drug kingpin Dairo Antonio Úsuga sentenced to 45 years

Dairo Antonio Úsuga, a notorious cocaine trafficker, tells the court he is sorry for his actions.

Portugal battles wildfires amid third heatwave of the year

Temperatures in excess of 40C are expected to hit much of the Iberian peninsula this week.

Carbon credits - land grab or the Amazon’s future?

The eight countries who share the rainforest are meeting in Brazil for a "milestone" summit.

Tory Lanez: Sentencing for shooting of Megan Thee Stallion delayed

Canadian rapper Tory Lanez injured her during an argument after a pool party in 2020.

Will electric flying taxis live up to their promise?

Small electric aircraft will be carrying passengers soon in Europe soon, but will they catch on?

Climate change: The record summer that scorched Asia

Home to some of the world's poorest people, Asia has seen devastating heatwaves this year.

Simon & Schuster: Publisher to be sold for $1.6bn

Finding a buyer has been a lengthy saga for the owner of the publisher, Paramount Global.

Four soldiers killed in Israeli strike in Damascus, says Syria

Another four soldiers are wounded in the missile attack near the capital Damascus, Syria's state media say.

Florida: Man rescued from partially sunken boat after 35 hours at sea

The 25-year-old was reported missing after failing to return from a fishing trip in St Augustine, Florida.

Belarus isolates political prisoners to break their spirit

Families of Belarusian political prisoners say loved ones are being denied any outside contact.

BBC Africa Eye: Elderly caned at Kenya's PCEA Thogoto Care Home for the Aged

BBC Africa Eye uncovers evidence of mistreatment and neglect of elderly residents.

Ukraine counter-offensive against Russia yields only small gains in first 2 months

Ukrainian troops have advanced, at most, about 10 miles in two areas. Is the counter-offensive working?

Barbie film hits $1bn mark at global box office

The pink-hued film has drawn in $1.03bn around the world, according to distributor Warner Bros.

Slovenia floods 'worst-ever natural disaster'

The extreme flooding in Slovenia has caused millions of dollars worth of damage and killed at least three people.

MrBeast: How the world's biggest YouTuber made his millions

Jimmy Donaldson is the biggest YouTuber in the world with 172 million subscribers - what makes him so popular?

Donald Trump social media post flagged to judge as prosecutors seek order

Prosecutors ask for limits on what Donald Trump is allowed to publicly say about the election fraud case.

Italian fugitive caught in Corfu thanks to photo celebrating football win

Vincenzo La Porta has been on the run for 11 years but was tracked down to Corfu by police.

Hun Sen: Cambodia election result confirms expected win for PM

Critics say July's election, which saw PM Hun Sen's party win 120 of 125 seats, was neither free or fair.

Watch: Chaos breaks out at NYC giveaway event

The crowd of about 2,000 turned rowdy at a gathering for a PlayStation offer by a celebrity YouTuber.

Mark Margolis: Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul actor dies at 83

Mark Margolis once said he based his role of drug kingpin Hector Salamanca on his mother-in-law.

Florida deputy jumps onto a speeding runaway boat

Dramatic bodycam footage captures a Florida deputy's daring leap onto an out-of-control vessel.

James Webb telescope captures end stages of dying star's life

The images captured by the James Webb telescope show the star in an unprecedented level of detail.

Freddie Mercury: Contents of former home being sold at auction

More than 33,000 items from the former Queen lead singer's home are up for sale.

Razzlekhan and husband guilty of $4.5bn Bitcoin launder

Heather Morgan and husband Ilya Lichtenstein plead guilty to money laundering and defrauding the US.

Heartstopper: 'How the series helped me open up about my sexuality in later life'

The Netflix show may be aimed at teens but it has a special appeal for some older fans.

Donald Trump slams election indictment on eve of court hearing

As security measures ramp up for his arraignment, Mr Trump decries "corruption, scandal, & failure".

Niger: US announces partial evacuation of embassy

Hundreds of foreign nationals have already been evacuated from the country since a coup last week.

Timelapse shows rain drenching Las Vegas

Nevada was hit with heavy rain this week, which scattered debris and shut down roads.

Atlantic orcas 'learning from adults' to target boats

Juvenile killer whales in the Atlantic are learning a dangerous game by copying adults.

El Salvador rings off entire region to hem in gangs

Thousands of soldiers and police surround an area bigger than New York City in their war on gangs.

Niger coup: A litmus test for democracy in West Africa

Regional leaders have threatened military action against the junta if it refuses to give up power.

'It's like playing with death' - Ukraine's female front line soldiers

Women in the Ukrainian military describe their battles against Russia and sexism within their ranks.

The fury in Pakistan sparked by a misogynist minister

Khawaja Asif's remarks reflect ingrained attitudes in Pakistan society, but women are pushing back.

Sturgeon Moon: Supermoon pictures from around the world

The full Moon appeared bigger and brighter than usual as it lit up night skies on Tuesday night.

National Party: Irish far-right party's stolen gold bars sparks funding query

The alleged theft of bars worth €400,000 prompts questions over how the National Party is funded.