How a children’s chocolate drink became a symbol of French colonialism
With its red fez, broad smile and simplified French, Banania’s mascot has been associated with racist stereotypes.

With its red fez, broad smile and simplified French, Banania’s mascot has been associated with racist stereotypes.

![Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and Co-President Rosario Murillo gesturing during Labor Day celebrations in Managua on 30 April, 2025. [File: Jairo Cajina/AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/000_44689CG-1753993967.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)







In a largely symbolic move, the Ortega government condemned Israel’s leaders as ‘fascist’ and ‘genocidal’ over Gaza war.
The released group includes student and religious leaders who were arrested as part of crackdown under President Ortega.
The move is part of a crackdown against groups viewed as hostile to President Daniel Ortega.

The UN’s top court has thrown out Nicaragua’s request to halt German arms sales to Israel.
Germany says 98 percent of arms exports to Israel since October 7 were equipment like vests, helmets and binoculars.
Nicaragua joins Mexico in severing ties with Quito, while Brazil said the embassy raid is a clear violation of law.
Washington says Morales Urbina ‘exploited her office to facilitate a coordinated campaign to suppress dissent’.
A makeshift courtroom was set up in a French airport to investigate human trafficking concerns.