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.

South Sudan, on the fifth anniversary of its independence, is experiencing escalating violence despite a peace agreement and a transitional government. Recent attacks in Wau by government soldiers and Dinka militia have displaced over 100,000 civilians, primarily targeting the Fertit tribes. The UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross report significant displacement and humanitarian aid efforts.

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.

Algeria is facing an economic crisis due to plummeting oil prices, prompting the government to introduce measures to encourage private investment and reduce reliance on hydrocarbons. The 2016 budget includes provisions for privatizing state-owned enterprises, but these efforts face significant opposition from political parties and skepticism from analysts. The government's approach is criticized for being insufficient and delayed, with key state companies excluded from privatization. The economic downturn has led to a sharp decline in international reserves and a growing budget deficit, raising concerns about the country's economic stability and future growth prospects.

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.

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika dissolved the Department of Intelligence and Security (DRS), a powerful state security service, replacing it with the Department of Surveillance and Security (DSS) that reports directly to the presidency. This move is seen as a shift in Algerian politics, reducing the influence of the intelligence apparatus. The article explores the power struggle between Bouteflika and the DRS, highlighting the role of key figures like Mohamed Mediene and Athmane Tartag. Despite Bouteflika's health issues, his entourage, particularly his brother Said, has consolidated power around the presidency. The article also touches on the challenges facing Algeria, including armed groups, economic pressures, and the authoritarian political system.

The article provides a personal account of Gabriel Gatluak Dak Yau, a Nuer refugee who fled South Sudan during the civil war in 2013. He recounts the violence perpetrated by Dinka soldiers against the Nuer tribe, leading to his escape to the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. Despite the challenges in the camp, including insufficient food rations, Gabriel expresses a desire to return to South Sudan if peace is restored. The narrative highlights the ongoing ethnic tensions, the role of UNMISS in protecting civilians, and the dire humanitarian situation faced by refugees.

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.