Yemen’s parliament was dissolved in early February by Houthi rebels who have held the capital, Sana’a, since Jan. 22, when they stormed the presidential palace, putting President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi under house arrest.

The US, UK, France and Saudi Arabia closed their embassies in Yemen and recalled all diplomatic staff. 

On Feb. 20, Houthi leaders agreed to create a ruling council that would act as the parliament and, along with the previously elected house of...

On Feb. 19, the government of Mali signed a cease-fire agreement with six armed rebel groups from northern parts of the country.

In January 2013, al-Qaeda rebels, allied with Tuareg groups, took control of Azawad, the Saharan north of Mali, and attempted to assault the capital, Bamako, but they were turned back by Malian, African Union (AU) and French troops. French and AU troops also assisted Mali in retaking Azawad. 

Though Mali is effectively in control of Azawad, armed...

The US Department of State warns against travel to the Republic of South Sudan. The South Sudanese government is engaged in armed conflict with opposition forces. Although the conflict is primarily concentrated in the northeastern states of Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile, other areas have experienced periodic fighting.

In addition, the risk of violent crime is high in the capital, Juba.