IRIN has this important “Backgrounder” feature (with lots of useful links) on the Sahel, the poorest region in one of the poorest parts of the world. Global climate change is only likely to exacerbate matters.
I do not always agree with J. Peter Pham, but there is little doubting his intelligence, knowledge, ability, and devotion to Africa-related issues. He is also one of the most significant voices among those who look at Africa from the vantage point of American policies and interests. He has a roundup of Africa-related issues at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (full disclosure: I have been a fellow with FDD and still have a relationship with the organzation) via Family Security Matters. Included is news and commentary on Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, the Sahel, and Nigeria.