North Africa is home to the greatest desert on Earth, the Sahara. This vast wilderness, the size of the United States, is the toughest part of the African continent – the sun rules mercilessly here.

Africa is witnessing a new age: scientists and naturalists are discovering ways of fighting to save the wildlife and natural habitats, and by doing so are holding the key to Africa’s wild future.

A selection of the week's best photos from across the African continent ... The banner in the background calls for an Africa that is united, not divided. MARCO LONGARI / AFP Protesters demand ...

A selection of the week's best photos from across the African continent and beyond: A man attends a private viewing of the +234 Art fair at the Ecobank Pan-African Center in Nigeria's commercial ...