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Swimming santa and dazzling dancers: Africa's top shots

A selection of the week's best photos from across the African continent and beyond:

Rajesh Jantilal / AFP South African aquarist Mthobisi Mlambo dressed as Santa Claus while he feeds a stingray underwater - Wednesday 18 December 2024Rajesh Jantilal / AFP
South African aquarist Mthobisi Mlambo, strikes a pose as Santa with a Thorntail stingray during a show at Africa's largest marine park - uShaka Sea World in Durban.
Legnan Koula / EPA A vendor sets Christmas and New Year's decorations for display at her roadside stall in Abidjan, Ivory Coast - Thursday 19 December 2024.Legnan Koula / EPA
The festive spirit also fills the Abidjan markets in Ivory Coast as vendors stock up on endless Christmas merchandise in preparation for the holidays.
Mohamed Elshahed / Getty Images Two runners run side-by-side during the Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon in Giza, the largest city in Egypt - Saturday 14 December 2024Mohamed Elshahed / Getty Images
On Saturday, runners from around the world compete in the Marakez Pyramids Half Marathon in Giza, set against the ancient wonders of the pyramids of Egypt...
Sayed Hassan / Getty Images A tourist on a camel in Giza, Egypt with the backdrop of the pyramids.Sayed Hassan / Getty Images
During the marathon, a tourist and a camel strike a pose.
Mahmoud Elkhwas / Getty Images A worker throws a lump of limestone on top of a very large pile at a quarry site in Minya, Egypt - Saturday 14 December 2024Mahmoud Elkhwas / Getty Images
On the same day, in southern Egypt, a worker gathers limestone at the "White Mountain'' quarry near the city of Minya.
Kim Ludbrook / EPA Aerial performers wearing neon-coloured bodysuits do their routine for an audience at an all-human circus in Johannesburg, South Africa - Monday 16 December 2024.Kim Ludbrook / EPA
On Monday, aerial performers dazzle at an all-human circus in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Daniel Irungu / EPA A model wearing a paper plate and cutlery inspired dress showcases her creation at the 11th edition of the South Sudan Theatre Awards 2024 (STA), in Nairobi, Kenya - Wednesday 18 December 2024.Daniel Irungu / EPA
A model shows off her paper plates- and cutlery-inspired dress at the 11th edition of the South Sudan Theatre Awards 2024 (STA), in Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday.
Daniel Irungu / EPA A traditional Maasai woman wearing the traditional attire looks at the camera as she attends a social sporting event called the Maasai Olympics in Kajiado, Kenya - Saturday 14 DecemberDaniel Irungu / EPA
The vibrant beauty of the Maasai people shines as women don their traditional attire at the lively social sporting event dubbed the Maasai Olympics in Kajiado, Kenya...
Daniel Irungu / EPA A Maasai warrior captured mid-air as he competes in the high jump event in Kajiado, Kenya - Saturday 14 December 2024Daniel Irungu / EPA
A Maasai warrior competes in a traditional high-jump event...
Daniel Irungu / EPA The winners hold the trophy up as they celebrate being the overall winners at a social sporting event dubbed the Maasai Olympics 2024 - Saturday 14 December 2024Daniel Irungu / EPA
The Mbirikani Manyatta village holds the trophy in triumph as they celebrate being named the overall winners of the Maasai Olympics 2024.

From the BBC in Africa this week:

Getty Images/BBC A woman looking at her mobile phone and the graphic BBC News AfricaGetty Images/BBC

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