Libya is resorting to burning crude oil for electricity due to the disruption of gas infrastructure development by Islamic State militants. New power plants in Ubari and Tobruk, designed to run on gas, are forced to use oil, doubling greenhouse gas emissions. The instability following Muammar Gaddafi's fall has prioritized addressing power blackouts over environmental concerns. The General Electricity Company of Libya struggles with inconsistent fuel supply and rising consumer demand, leading to frequent blackouts. Political fragmentation and militia control further complicate infrastructure rehabilitation and development. Efforts to restore functional government continue amid ongoing security threats.

Clashes erupted in South Sudan's capital, Juba, on the eve of the country's fifth independence anniversary, echoing the civil war that began in December 2013. Fighting occurred near the Presidential Palace and other key areas, leading to civilian casualties and displacements. President Salva Kiir, Vice President Riek Machar, and Vice President James Wani Igga were meeting to discuss the previous day's violence when the clashes broke out. Both leaders called for calm, and the government announced an investigation. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan condemned the violence and called for accountability. Tensions have been rising, with recent attacks in Wau and Bentiu, and the government had already canceled independence day celebrations due to financial constraints.

The planned return of opposition fighters from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army In Opposition (SPLM-IO) to Juba, South Sudan, is facing logistical and political challenges, potentially delaying their arrival set for March 1. This move is a crucial part of the August 2015 peace agreement aimed at forming a government of national unity after over two years of civil war. Despite the government's commitment to withdrawing troops from Juba and the appointment of Riek Machar as first vice president, issues such as transport logistics, security provisions, and political disagreements over the country's administrative division remain unresolved. The peace process has seen progress but continues to encounter barriers at every stage.

The formation of a unity government in Libya faces significant challenges after the Tobruk-based House of Representatives rejected the proposed 32-member cabinet. The Government of National Accord (GNA) aims to unify the country, which has been divided between two rival administrations since 2014. The international community, including the UN, US, and European nations, supports the GNA to combat the growing threat of ISIL, which has exploited the political vacuum to gain territory. However, the GNA's legitimacy and ability to invite foreign intervention remain uncertain, with various factions and procedural hurdles complicating the situation. The potential for Western intervention against ISIL in Libya is increasing, but it hinges on the establishment and recognition of a unified Libyan government.

The formation of a Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya faces significant challenges amid recent ISIL attacks targeting vital oil infrastructure and security forces. The peace agreement signed on December 17 aimed to unify Libya's rival governments, but the escalating violence raises doubts about the new government's ability to ensure security and stability. Key figures like Fayez Sarraj, Khalifa Haftar, and Ibrahim Jadhran play crucial roles, but internal divisions and competing militias complicate efforts to establish a functional national government and military. The ongoing threat from ISIL and the potential economic impact of disrupted oil production underscore the urgency of resolving Libya's political and security crises.

Nyayang Bol Biel, a pregnant mother, fled the violence of South Sudan's civil war, embarking on a perilous 500-mile journey to Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya with her two children. The conflict, which began in December 2013, has displaced over two million people and has seen atrocities such as killings, rapes, and forced recruitment by both government and rebel forces. Despite a peace agreement signed in August, Nyayang is skeptical of its effectiveness and fears for her family left behind. She doubts she will return to South Sudan, believing the future lies only for her children.

More than two years after the outbreak of civil war in South Sudan, tens of thousands face starvation. Over a third of the population is severely food insecure, with 40,000 people in Unity State facing 'catastrophe'. The conflict, which began in December 2013, has displaced millions and devastated the agricultural sector. Despite a peace agreement in August, fighting continues, exacerbating the food crisis. Humanitarian organizations warn that without urgent aid, the situation could deteriorate into famine.

Civil war in South Sudan has severely hindered aid organizations' ability to reach hundreds of thousands of people, with many at risk of starvation. Despite a peace agreement, ongoing fighting has displaced over 2.2 million people and left 3.9 million severely food insecure. Aid delivery is obstructed by physical barriers, military interference, and attacks on aid workers. The worst-affected areas are Unity State and Upper Nile State, where access is extremely limited. Aid organizations are resorting to expensive methods like helicopter drops, but the risk of aid being hijacked remains high. The humanitarian situation is dire, with many people hiding in swamps and lacking basic necessities.

South Sudan's government has not signed a peace agreement to end nearly two years of conflict, despite significant negotiation gains. The main obstacle is the demilitarization of the capital, Juba. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) set an August 17 deadline, but only the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement In Opposition (SPLM-IO) and the Former Detainees (SPLM-FD) signed the deal. The government opposes withdrawing its army from Juba, citing security concerns. The conflict, which began in December 2013, has displaced 2.2 million people and put 4.6 million at severe risk of food insecurity. The government has a 15-day extension to sign the agreement, but demilitarization remains a contentious issue. Human rights groups warn that failure to reach a deal could perpetuate violence and delay accountability for war crimes.

Human rights organizations and foreign governments have criticized the African Union's decision to delay the publication of a report on atrocities committed during South Sudan's civil war. The AU Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan, established to investigate human rights violations since December 2013, presented its findings to the AU Peace and Security Council, but the report was not made public. Instead, it will be reviewed by another AU sub-committee. Critics argue that the delay perpetuates the cycle of violence and hinders justice and accountability. The conflict, which began as a political dispute between President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar, has escalated into a tribal war with severe human rights abuses. The delay in the report's publication has been justified by the AU as necessary to avoid disrupting peace talks, but many see it as a significant setback for justice in South Sudan.

An inquest into the deaths of seven UK residents during a 2013 attack on the In Amenas gas plant in Algeria, partly operated by BP, revealed significant security flaws. The attack, carried out by al-Qaeda-affiliated militants, resulted in 40 worker deaths. The inquest highlighted gaps in security measures, including non-operational alarms and unmanned watchtowers. BP's risk assessment methods were criticized, and the Algerian government's security provisions were deemed inadequate. Families of the victims, represented by Irwin Mitchell law firm, are considering legal action against BP for failing to protect the workers.

More than a million people in Malawi have been affected by the worst rains in 50 years, leading to devastating floods that have displaced 336,000 people, caused 104 deaths, and left 172 missing. The floods have destroyed homes, crops, and livestock, creating a severe humanitarian crisis. International aid organizations and the government are struggling to provide necessary aid due to the scale of the disaster and ongoing rains. The living conditions for the displaced are dire, with high risks of disease outbreaks. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent prolonged food shortages and further suffering.

Sudan and South Sudan have reached a significant oil deal that marks a thaw in relations and aims to resume oil exports, bringing economic relief to both nations. The agreement includes a detailed schedule for military withdrawal from disputed border areas and addresses border security with the help of Ethiopian troops under a U.N. mandate. However, unresolved issues such as the status of Abyei, border demarcation, and internal conflicts in Sudan's Blue Nile and South Kordofan states remain significant obstacles. The deal is a step forward but highlights the interconnected nature of the issues between the two countries, suggesting that without comprehensive resolutions, trust and sustainable peace are unlikely.