An unidentified unmanned aerial vehicle seen flying over a region between Idlib and Aleppo on November 22. (File photo: AFP)

Russia Foils Drone Attack on Hmeimim Base in Syria

Russian air defenses have repelled a drone attack launched by unidentified militants on the strategic Hmeimim airbase in Syria's western coastal province of Latakia. The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Sunday, "With

MENA Featured

In November 2019 pro-Haftar forces claimed to have shot down an Italian drone /AFP

Italy Watches Impotently as Russia and Turkey Determine Libya’s Future

Libya’s historic colonial country and overseas neighbor – Italy – is letting Russia and Turkey determine the country’s future. The war-torn North African country has been close to

Latest News

Editor's Choice

Subscribe

Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content
Subscribe Now

Insights

Shutterstock/Rami Khoury-Al Bawaba News

Following the Money: Why is the Saudi Lobby so Powerful in America?

The Middle East is turning to China for future economic prosperity. Rami Khoury/Albawaba

The Middle East's New Sweetheart: How China is Edging out World Superpowers

banner image

Dreamscapes and Drug Towns: Jordan's Aqaba Is the Future of Segregation

Podcast

Opinion

Slideshows

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (4thL) is flanked by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (3rdL) and Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Antonio Guterres (2ndR) as African Union (AU) Committee Chairman Moussa Faki (L) and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell (2ndL) look on at the start of a Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin, on January 19, 2020. World leaders gather in Berlin on January 19, 2020. HANNIBAL HANSCHKE / POOL / AFP

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (4thL) is flanked by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (3rdL) and Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Antonio Guterres (2ndR) as African Union (AU) Committee Chairman Moussa Faki (L) and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell (2ndL) look on at the start of a Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin, on January 19, 2020. World leaders gather in Berlin on January 19, 2020. HANNIBAL HANSCHKE / POOL / AFP

(L-R) Acting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Russian President Vladimir Putin and France's President Emmanuel Macron talk at the start of a Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin, on January 19, 2020. Kay Nietfeld / POOL / AFP

(L-R) Acting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Russian President Vladimir Putin and France's President Emmanuel Macron talk at the start of a Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin, on January 19, 2020. Kay Nietfeld / POOL / AFP

Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi arrives for a family picture during a Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin, on January 19, 2020; back, from left: Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. World leaders gather in Berlin. AFP

Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi arrives for a family picture during a Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin, on January 19, 2020; back, from left: Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. World leaders gather in Berlin. AFP

Acting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L)sits next to Russian President Vladimir Putin at the start of a Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin, on January 19, 2020. World leaders gather in Berlin on January 19, 2020 to make a fresh push for peace in Libya, in a desperate bid to stop the conflict-wracked nation from turning into a "second Syria". AFP

Acting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L)sits next to Russian President Vladimir Putin at the start of a Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin, on January 19, 2020. World leaders gather in Berlin on January 19, 2020 to make a fresh push for peace in Libya, in a desperate bid to stop the conflict-wracked nation from turning into a "second Syria". AFP

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrives to attend the Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin on January 19, 2020. World leaders gather in Berlin on January 19, 2020 to make a fresh push for peace in Libya. John MACDOUGALL / AFP

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrives to attend the Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin on January 19, 2020. World leaders gather in Berlin on January 19, 2020 to make a fresh push for peace in Libya. John MACDOUGALL / AFP

Guards stand next to the flags of the participating countries at the entrance of the German Chancellery in Berlin on January 19, 2020. AFP/ File

Guards stand next to the flags of the participating countries at the entrance of the German Chancellery in Berlin on January 19, 2020. AFP/ File

A high-stakes Berlin peace summit failed to launch "a serious" dialogue between Libya's warring leaders, Russian Foreign Minister said, after strongman Khalifa Haftar and his rival Fayez al-Sarraj both travelled to Germany but did not meet face to face. Michael Kappeler / POOL / AFP

A high-stakes Berlin peace summit failed to launch "a serious" dialogue between Libya's warring leaders, Russian Foreign Minister said, after strongman Khalifa Haftar and his rival Fayez al-Sarraj both travelled to Germany but did not meet face to face. Michael Kappeler / POOL / AFP

Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Ghassan Salame (L) and Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Antonio Guterres listen during a press conference at the end of a Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin on January 19, 2020. AFP

Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Ghassan Salame (L) and Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Antonio Guterres listen during a press conference at the end of a Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin on January 19, 2020. AFP

A general view shows participants attending the Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin on January 19, 2020. World leaders gather in Berlin on January 19, 2020 to make a fresh push for peace in Libya, in a desperate bid to stop the conflict-wracked nation from turning into a "second Syria". AFP

A general view shows participants attending the Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin on January 19, 2020. World leaders gather in Berlin on January 19, 2020 to make a fresh push for peace in Libya, in a desperate bid to stop the conflict-wracked nation from turning into a "second Syria". AFP

People stage a protest against Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebboune during the Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin on January 19, 2020. AFP

People stage a protest against Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebboune during the Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin on January 19, 2020. AFP

Protesters hold a banner reading "Stop war in Libya, Haftar and mercenaries" during a protest near the chancellery during the Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin on January 19, 2020. AFP

Protesters hold a banner reading "Stop war in Libya, Haftar and mercenaries" during a protest near the chancellery during the Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin on January 19, 2020. AFP

World leaders gather in Berlin on January 19, 2020 to make a fresh push for peace in Libya, in a desperate bid to stop the conflict-wracked nation from turning into a "second Syria". Chancellor Angela Merkel will be joined by the presidents of Russia, Turkey and France and other world leaders for talks held under the auspices of the United Nations. Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP

World leaders gather in Berlin on January 19, 2020 to make a fresh push for peace in Libya, in a desperate bid to stop the conflict-wracked nation from turning into a "second Syria". Chancellor Angela Merkel will be joined by the presidents of Russia, Turkey and France and other world leaders for talks held under the auspices of the United Nations. Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (4thL) is flanked by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (3rdL) and Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Antonio Guterres (2ndR) as African Union (AU) Committee Chairman Moussa Faki (L) and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell (2ndL) look on at the start of a Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin, on January 19, 2020. World leaders gather in Berlin on January 19, 2020. HANNIBAL HANSCHKE / POOL / AFP
(L-R) Acting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Russian President Vladimir Putin and France's President Emmanuel Macron talk at the start of a Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin, on January 19, 2020. Kay Nietfeld / POOL / AFP
Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi arrives for a family picture during a Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin, on January 19, 2020; back, from left: Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. World leaders gather in Berlin. AFP
Acting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L)sits next to Russian President Vladimir Putin at the start of a Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin, on January 19, 2020. World leaders gather in Berlin on January 19, 2020 to make a fresh push for peace in Libya, in a desperate bid to stop the conflict-wracked nation from turning into a "second Syria". AFP
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrives to attend the Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin on January 19, 2020. World leaders gather in Berlin on January 19, 2020 to make a fresh push for peace in Libya. John MACDOUGALL / AFP
Guards stand next to the flags of the participating countries at the entrance of the German Chancellery in Berlin on January 19, 2020. AFP/ File
A high-stakes Berlin peace summit failed to launch "a serious" dialogue between Libya's warring leaders, Russian Foreign Minister said, after strongman Khalifa Haftar and his rival Fayez al-Sarraj both travelled to Germany but did not meet face to face. Michael Kappeler / POOL / AFP
Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Ghassan Salame (L) and Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Antonio Guterres listen during a press conference at the end of a Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin on January 19, 2020. AFP
A general view shows participants attending the Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin on January 19, 2020. World leaders gather in Berlin on January 19, 2020 to make a fresh push for peace in Libya, in a desperate bid to stop the conflict-wracked nation from turning into a "second Syria". AFP
People stage a protest against Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebboune during the Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin on January 19, 2020. AFP
Protesters hold a banner reading "Stop war in Libya, Haftar and mercenaries" during a protest near the chancellery during the Peace summit on Libya at the Chancellery in Berlin on January 19, 2020. AFP
World leaders gather in Berlin on January 19, 2020 to make a fresh push for peace in Libya, in a desperate bid to stop the conflict-wracked nation from turning into a "second Syria". Chancellor Angela Merkel will be joined by the presidents of Russia, Turkey and France and other world leaders for talks held under the auspices of the United Nations. Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP
Jordanians protest the country’s gas imports from Israel, as part of a public backlash against normalising relations between the two countries. Twitter

Jordanians protest the country’s gas imports from Israel, as part of a public backlash against normalising relations between the two countries. Twitter

Jordanian security forces prevented the protesters from reaching the symbolic Al-Nakheel Square in Amman. (Twitter)

Jordanian security forces prevented the protesters from reaching the symbolic Al-Nakheel Square in Amman. (Twitter)

The Jordanian flag-waving protesters also threatened to overthrow the government if it sticks by the gas deal. Twitter

The Jordanian flag-waving protesters also threatened to overthrow the government if it sticks to the gas deal. Twitter

Mass demonstration kicks off in downtown Amman against the country's gas deal with Israel. Twitter

Mass demonstration kicks off in downtown Amman against the country's gas deal with Israel. Twitter

A parliamentary session planned, Sunday, to submit an urgent memo requesting a ban on gas purchases from Israel. Twitter

A parliamentary session planned, Sunday, to submit an urgent memo requesting a ban on gas purchases from Israel. Twitter

The $10 billion deal is expected to provide 45 billion cubic meters of Israeli gas to Jordan over the next 15 years. Twitter

The $10 billion deal is expected to provide 45 billion cubic meters of Israeli gas to Jordan over the next 15 years. Twitter

Mass demonstration kicks off in downtown Amman against the country's gas deal with Israel. Twitter

Mass demonstration kicks off in downtown Amman against the country's gas deal with Israel. Twitter

Mass demonstration kicks off in downtown Amman against the country's gas deal with Israel. Twitter

Mass demonstration kicks off in downtown Amman against the country's gas deal with Israel. Twitter

Hundreds of Jordanians demonstrated in downtown Amman on Friday, calling on the government to cancel an agreement with Israel. Twitter

Hundreds of Jordanians demonstrated in downtown Amman on Friday, calling on the government to cancel an agreement with Israel. Twitter

Jordanians protest the country’s gas imports from Israel, as part of a public backlash against normalising relations between the two countries. Twitter
Jordanian security forces prevented the protesters from reaching the symbolic Al-Nakheel Square in Amman. (Twitter)
The Jordanian flag-waving protesters also threatened to overthrow the government if it sticks by the gas deal. Twitter
Mass demonstration kicks off in downtown Amman against the country's gas deal with Israel. Twitter
A parliamentary session planned, Sunday, to submit an urgent memo requesting a ban on gas purchases from Israel. Twitter
The $10 billion deal is expected to provide 45 billion cubic meters of Israeli gas to Jordan over the next 15 years. Twitter
Mass demonstration kicks off in downtown Amman against the country's gas deal with Israel. Twitter
Mass demonstration kicks off in downtown Amman against the country's gas deal with Israel. Twitter
Hundreds of Jordanians demonstrated in downtown Amman on Friday, calling on the government to cancel an agreement with Israel. Twitter
A picture taken on March 2, 2019 shows a boy steering a boat in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess. YASUYOSHI CHIBA

A picture taken on March 2, 2019 shows a boy steering a boat in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess. YASUYOSHI CHIBA / AFP

A picture taken on March 2, 2019 shows people steering boats on a waterway in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess. YA

A picture taken on March 2, 2019 shows people steering boats on a waterway in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess. YASUYOSHI CHIBA / AFP

A picture taken on March 1, 2019 shows a girl steering a boat on a waterway in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess. Y

A picture taken on March 1, 2019 shows a girl steering a boat on a waterway in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess. YASUYOSHI CHIBA / AFP

A picture taken on March 2, 2019 shows a woman selling daily items on a boat in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess.

A picture taken on March 2, 2019 shows a woman selling daily items on a boat in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess. YASUYOSHI CHIBA / AFP

A picture taken on March 1, 2019 shows a teacher speaking to his students during his class at a private school in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although t

A picture taken on March 1, 2019 shows a teacher speaking to his students during his class at a private school in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess. YASUYOSHI CHIBA / AFP

A picture taken on March 1, 2019 shows a student next to a board at a private school in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's

A picture taken on March 1, 2019 shows a student next to a board at a private school in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess. YASUYOSHI CHIBA / AFP

A picture taken on March 1, 2019 shows a woman smoking fish in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess. YASUYOSHI CHIBA /

A picture taken on March 1, 2019 shows a woman smoking fish in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess. YASUYOSHI CHIBA / AFP

A picture taken on March 2, 2019 shows a woman selling breakfast from a boat in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess.

A picture taken on March 2, 2019 shows a woman selling breakfast from a boat in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess. YASUYOSHI CHIBA / AFP

A picture taken on March 1, 2019 shows women on a boat in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess. YASUYOSHI CHIBA / AFP

A picture taken on March 1, 2019 shows women on a boat in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess. YASUYOSHI CHIBA / AFP

A picture taken on March 2, 2019 shows a boy steering a boat in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess. YASUYOSHI CHIBA
A picture taken on March 2, 2019 shows people steering boats on a waterway in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess. YA
A picture taken on March 1, 2019 shows a girl steering a boat on a waterway in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess. Y
A picture taken on March 2, 2019 shows a woman selling daily items on a boat in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess.
A picture taken on March 1, 2019 shows a teacher speaking to his students during his class at a private school in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although t
A picture taken on March 1, 2019 shows a student next to a board at a private school in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's
A picture taken on March 1, 2019 shows a woman smoking fish in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess. YASUYOSHI CHIBA /
A picture taken on March 2, 2019 shows a woman selling breakfast from a boat in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess.
A picture taken on March 1, 2019 shows women on a boat in the Makoko waterfront community in a polluted lagoon in Lagos, Africa’s biggest megalopolis in Nigeria. The sprawling community began in the 19th century as a fishing village for immigrants who settled on the water's edge. As more arrived and land became rare, people started to move out onto the water. Over time, Makoko became a floating realm of perhaps a quarter of a million people, although the real number is anyone's guess. YASUYOSHI CHIBA / AFP
In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul.

In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul.

In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP

In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP

In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors take a selfie as they look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP

In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors take a selfie as they look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP

In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors take a selfie as they look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP

In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors take a selfie as they look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP

In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP

In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP

In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP

In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP

In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP

In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP

In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP

In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP

In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul.
In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP
In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors take a selfie as they look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP
In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors take a selfie as they look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP
In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP
In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP
In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP
In a photo taken on January 11, 2020 visitors look at an annual light display at the 'Garden on Morning Calm', near Gapyeong, east of Seoul. Ed JONES / AFP
A Hindu devotee performs a ritual before taking a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 13, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP

A Hindu devotee performs a ritual before taking a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 13, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP

A Hindu Sadhu (holy man) takes a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP

A Hindu Sadhu (holy man) takes a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP

A Hindu Sadhu (holy man) waits to offer blessings to devotees at a temporary camp during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, around 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. Xavier GALIANA / AFP

A Hindu Sadhu (holy man) waits to offer blessings to devotees at a temporary camp during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, around 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. Xavier GALIANA / AFP

A Hindu devotee walks towards the festival area during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP

A Hindu devotee walks towards the festival area during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP

A Sadhu (Hindu holy man) blesses a pilgrim during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP

A Sadhu (Hindu holy man) blesses a pilgrim during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP

Hindu devotees gather to take a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP

Hindu devotees gather to take a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP

A young Hindu devotee walks past a stall selling religious images during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP

A young Hindu devotee walks past a stall selling religious images during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP

A Hindu devotee takes a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP

A Hindu devotee takes a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP

A Hindu devotee takes a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. Xavier GALIANA / AFP

A Hindu devotee takes a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. Xavier GALIANA / AFP

A Hindu devotee performs a ritual before taking a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 13, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP
A Hindu Sadhu (holy man) takes a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP
A Hindu Sadhu (holy man) waits to offer blessings to devotees at a temporary camp during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, around 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. Xavier GALIANA / AFP
A Hindu devotee walks towards the festival area during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP
A Sadhu (Hindu holy man) blesses a pilgrim during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP
Hindu devotees gather to take a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP
A young Hindu devotee walks past a stall selling religious images during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP
A Hindu devotee takes a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. XAVIER GALIANA / AFP
A Hindu devotee takes a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela, at Sagar Island, some 150 kilometres south of Kolkata on January 14, 2020. Xavier GALIANA / AFP

You may also like