A selection of the week's best photos from across the continent and beyond:
Rogan Ward/Reuters
On Wednesday, this South African woman walks to her nearest polling station in Nkandla to cast her vote in the country's most closely fought election since 1994...
Ihsaan Haffejee/Reuters
....the lines are long and some people wait for hours before they are able to cast their ballot....
Esa Alexander/Reuters
...but this young girl come prepared for the long wait in Cape Town.
Alaister Russell/Reuters
In Durban, voters cast their ballots in the hopes that the elected government will solve issues like unemployment, corruption and crime.
Thomas Mukoya/Reuters
South Africans aren't the only ones voting, in Kenya women from the Maasai community, who are members of Keekonyokie Community Trust, line up to elect a new leader on the outskirts of the capital Nairobi on Friday.
FADEL SENNA/AFP
On Monday, a dancer wears a half-goat, half-man costume to celebrate the annual Joujouka Musical Festival in northern Morocco.
FADEL SENNA/AFP
The joy of the festival continues inside a richly coloured tent as a group called The Master Musicians of Joujouka entertains onlookers with their rambunctious performance.
Cem Ozdel/Getty Images
This aerial photo sees an enthusiastic surfer ride a massive wave in Senegal's capital Dakar, known for its great surfing.
Adekunle Ajayi/Getty Images
In Nigeria, trumpeters play fun tunes on Children's Day on Monday in Lagos.
AMANUEL SILESHI
On Sunday, a newly married couple dances in the streets of Ethiopia as they celebrate their union.