Watch: Stunning celestial events that lit up the skies in 2025
From meteor showers to supermoons, here are some of the sights that wowed stargazers this year.
Africa
Equatorial Guinea pair banned for abusing referee at Afcon
Equatorial Guinea’s Carlos Akapo and Josete Miranda are banned for four games for abusing the referee after their defeat by Sudan at Afcon 2025.
Mali and Burkina Faso impose travel ban on US citizens in tit-for-tat move
The two states say they are taking reciprocal measures after the US announced full-entry restrictions on their citizens.
Saving South Africa’s threatened albatross from lethal fishing lines
A task force is trying to save seabirds from getting caught and killed in fishing boat nets.
Not Semenyo’s ‘last game’, says Iraola as Man City close in
Manchester City are close to agreeing terms with Bournemouth to sign Antoine Semenyo for £65m, but Andoni Iraola insists the forward has “definitely not” played his last game for the Cherries.
Guinea restricts social media sites as junta chief takes election lead
TikTok, YouTube and Facebook are down, as the nation awaits the final result from the presidential poll.
How South Africa conquered Test cricket in 2025
BBC Sport reflects on a stellar year for South Africa which threatens to be overshadowed by a lack of home Test cricket.
Why Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state is controversial
Somaliland wants international recognition – here’s why, and what could have driven Israel to recognise it now.
Great white sharks being sold in North African fish markets, say researchers
Overfishing and illegal fishing are contributing to the loss of sharks, including great whites.
‘I can kill you right now’ – Sudan’s footballers on civil war
Forward John Mano, who lost his best friend to the civil war in Sudan, says the squad will “fight” for their country on the pitch at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Living in fear of Lakurawa – the militant group Trump targeted in Nigeria strikes
“We cannot live freely. You cannot even play music” – residents tell the BBC of militants’ rule.
Godfather of Ethiopian jazz on his farewell tour
Mulatu Astatke has been blending jazz influences from home and abroad for the past six decades.
The best players who never won Afcon?
As two-time runner-up Mohamed Salah begins another tilt at the Africa Cup of Nations, BBC Sport Africa profiles top stars who never lifted the trophy.
One general, one mathematician: The men competing for power in two African elections
The leaders of Guinea and the Central African Republic aim to consolidate power after Sunday’s polls.
Israel recognises Somaliland as independent state, Netanyahu says
The decision has been condemned by Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti, who call it a dangerous precedent.
‘I’m not retiring’ – Kipchoge’s marathon world tour
Sporting great Eliud Kipchoge says his plan to run marathons on seven different continents is about purpose, not records.
Bomb blast in packed Nigerian mosque kills five
Another 35 people were injured in the explosion during evening prayers in the city of Maiduguri, police say.
Eleven arrested over mass shooting in South Africa tavern
Preliminary investigations revealed the motive could be linked to illegal mining turf wars, police said.
Chronic water shortages dampen holiday mood in Tanzania’s biggest city
A drought has led to water being rationed in Dar es Salaam, with taps sometimes dry for weeks.
Afcon ‘bringing hope’ to Sudan amid civil war
Sudan’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations is “bringing hope” to the country amid its civil war, forward Abobaker Eisa says.
Man City in advanced talks with Bournemouth’s Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo is set to make a final decision on his future with Manchester City in advanced talks over a January move for the Bournemouth forward.