The war machines of Saharan or Arab African nations are fairly well armed because of oil money. Palestinian refugees number in the thousands in these countries. Military justice tends to prevail in this region. Protesters, journalists, and intellectuals tend to be suppressed for any non-Muslim fundamentalism as well as any disrespect for the royal families. Women in northern Africa suffer severe forms of discrimination, and women's rights is one of the most contested areas of reform along with worker's rights.
Military spending is rampant.
Several nations are holding significant numbers of refugee populations from neighboring nations. Xenophobia and anti-refugee sentiment is growing. It' s not at all safe for journalists, foreigners, or international peacekeepers, and it's hard to tell combatants from noncombatants with all the insurgencies, rebellions, militias, proxy and civil wars. CNN Special on Algeria's Insurgency Problem State Dept.