Africa

A selection of the most striking news images from the African continent this year.

Morocco is set to have the first high-speed TGV train in Africa. It is undergoing its first phase of tests ahead of a planned launch in 2018. The BBC's Nora Fakim takes a trip.

Anne Soy reports on how an alternative rite of passage is replacing female genital mutilation.

In December, the United Nations food aid agency has delivered food or cash to more than a million people in conflict-affected zones in northeast Nigeria, meaning that over half of those in need of urgent humanitarian assistance have now been reached.

Choosing a child's name is an important task for parents. We look at some of Africa's unique naming traditions.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called Adam Barrow, the President-elect of Gambia, to congratulate him on his electoral victory and to reiterate the commitment of the United Nations to support a peaceful, timely, and orderly transfer of power.

The United Nations relief wing today voiced deep concern at the resurgence of attacks against humanitarian workers in crisis-gripped Central African Republic (CAR).

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the inauguration of the new Federal Parliament of Somalia on 27 December and warmly congratulated the people of Somalia on this historic achievement in their quest for universal suffrage by 2020.

Buhari's gaffe, #OromoProtests and death of Papa Wemba among stories that lit up African social media in 2016.

The United Nations and other members of the international community have voiced grave concern over recent decisions by Somalia’s National Leadership Forum (NLF) that contravenes the African country’s constitutional electoral processes.

The Gambia's ruler is urged by his rival to transfer power peacefully, like the ex-colonial power did.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leads the cast for Gabon as the hosts become the first team to name their final 2017 Africa Cup of Nations squad.

Egypt will be without the services of their Al Ahly defender Rami Rabia at the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon because of injury.

Nigeria's military says it will turn a former bastion of militant Islamists into a training centre.

Ghanaian's love for jewellery has created a thriving industry for goldsmiths and jewellers.

The booming kaftan industry is bringing financial independence to Moroccan women.

It has been an eventful year for democracy in Africa. The BBC's Dickens Olewe looks back at some of the elections and lesson learned.

A new study estimates there are just 7,100 now left in the wild as they face growing conflict with humans.

Suranga Lakmal's four wickets helps Sri Lanka restrict South Africa to 267-6 on the opening day of the first Test in Port Elizabeth.

Thirty people drown after a boat carrying a football team and fans capsizes in Uganda, police say.