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Tuesday, 26 December 2006, 23:58 GMT

Africa in 2006: In cartoons

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For African cartoonists like Jonathan Shapiro and Tayo Fatunla, knowing how far one can go safely can be a fine art, as their Danish colleagues are aware.

Cartoon by Jonathan Shapiro

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This year, Madonna's adoption of a one-year-old in Malawi led to blanket Western media coverage but whether Africa's Aids orphans benefit is none too clear.

Cartoon by Tayo Fatunla

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Aids remains a big issue. South Africa's derided health minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang was sidelined and her country's HIV drug policy revamped, to the great relief of activists.

Cartoon by Tayo Fatunla

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Africa always has its fair share of bad news, with poor leadership in Africa a strong territory for cartoonists across the continent.

Cartoon by Tayo Fatunla

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This year the arrest of larger-than-life former Liberian leader Charles Taylor, who is now awaiting trial in the Hague, was welcomed by many.

Cartoon by Jonathan Shapiro

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But there are fears this precedent could deter rebel leaders from agreeing to peace and stop some leaders in Africa from stepping down, fearing international justice.

Cartoon by Tayo Fatunla

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For critics, the credibility of African leaders will remain a problem until they are able to unite effectively to resolve divisive issues like the crisis in Sudan's Darfur region.

Cartoon by Tayo Fatunla

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And even with goodwill directed towards the Democratic Republic of Congo's President Joseph Kabila after successful elections - he has an appalling legacy to overcome.

Cartoon by Jonathan Shapiro

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Opinions on PW Botha's legacy were divided when the last great defender of apartheid died in October. His belligerent finger-wagging was remembered for one last time.

Cartoon by Tayo Fatunla

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Current injustices occupy Nigeria with the transition to a fully fledged democracy remaining fraught. Next year's polls should see the first civilian transfer of power since independence.

Cartoon by Jonathan Shapiro

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One big theme across Africa this year has been China's growing interest and investment in Africa which is bringing threats as well as opportunities.

Cartoon by Jonathan Shapiro

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And it remains everyday issues like crime and employment that are perhaps of most concern to Africans - and will still be next year.

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Africa's 2006 in quotes quiz (21 Dec 06 | Africa )