Mali, along with several of its neighbouring countries in the Sahel region of West Africa, remains in a state of crisis. The rebel threat has not gone away, despite their withdrawal from strategic towns, and the recent fighting has increased tensions between different ethnic groups, some of whom have been associated with the rebels' cause.
Now, after a week of the white stuff, most of us would prefer the snow to go - so we can get back to our own norm - we may not like it but we do cope with it well - rain and wind. Before this happens though, the big freeze will stay with us for a little longer. A few more bouts of snow are forecast across the country until Thursday...
Residents of around 500 properties have been told to leave their homes after the River Elwy broke its banks in north Wales. North-west England and...