Ebrima Sillah: Home sweet home

After 12 years, Ebrima Sillah, who was forced to flee The Gambia for being too critical of Yahya Jammeh, hopes to return home.

Mannir Dan Ali: ‘Limping giant’

In our series of letters from African journalists, Mannir Dan Ali considers why the Nigerian president is finding it hard to please anyone.

Who are Nigeria’s Boko Haram Islamist group?

The BBC looks at the militant Islamist group Boko Haram, which is fighting to overthrow the Nigerian government and create an Islamic state in parts of West Africa.

‘Extravagant grannies…’

This year's Lagos Photo Festival in Nigeria brings together well-known photographers and their take on identity in Africa.

Concrete canvas

After nearly three years of war, South Sudanese artists want to get the country thinking and talking about peace, and have landed on a novel way to do it.

Octopus hunters of Zanzibar

The white beaches of Zanzibar’s coast are home to the octopus hunters, in search of the delicacy.

Why is the Suez Canal a big deal? Explained in 60 secs

Why is the Suez Canal a big deal? BBC News explains its historical significance, in 60 seconds.

Archive: Nelson Mandela released from prison

Nelson Mandela is released from prison in South Africa, after serving 27 years for treason.