A selection of the week's best photos from across the African continent highlights the vibrancy and resilience of its celebrations and moments.
In South Africa, joy radiated at the Cape Town Pride celebration, showcasing LGBTQ+ pride and community spirit. In Abidjan, Ivory Coast, four-year-old Maëlis Kouakou dazzled in costume at Mardi Gras, ushering in a playful spirit. The Luanda Carnival in Angola marked 50 years of independence with a lively children's parade, connecting the past with present festivities.
Across borders, people of African descent prepped for the Carnival of Coyolillo in Mexico, where dances echo traditions from Mozambique to Mali. Meanwhile, in Nigeria's Ibadan, art historian Olushola Olajobi creatively repurposed waste materials into stunning artworks, reflecting an ethos of sustainability.
Lagos emerged as a hub of fashion as designer Florentina Agu shared her latest collection, illustrating the intersection of tradition and modernity. However, it wasn't all celebration; in Monrovia, Liberia, motorcycle taxi drivers voiced their discontent over a transport ban that puts their livelihoods at risk.
Notably, Namibians gathered to honor their first president, Sam Nujoma, emphasizing a deep sense of historical significance. In Rome, a well-wisher draped in the Congolese flag offered prayers for Pope Francis, showcasing a global connection to African traditions. Nigerian Catholics and South African Muslims marked religious milestones with Ash Wednesday and the start of Ramadan, respectively, highlighting the spiritual diversity within Africa.
Lastly, serene images of canoeists at Johannesburg’s Emmarentia Dam and a curious red colobus monkey in The Gambia's Bijilo Forest Park emphasized the continent's natural beauty. As this week wrapped up, stories of diverse cultures, poignant reflections, and vibrant celebrations exemplified the richness and complexity of life in Africa.
