Niger and Mali travel warnings
 

Niger
On November 14, 2009, heavily armed individuals attempted to kidnap U.S. embassy employees in Tahoua.

FlightStats - Travel Advisories

"Conditions of insecurity persist throughout northern and western Niger, and armed groups operate with relative impunity throughout these border regions. In addition, conflict zones in northern Niger are strewn with landmines, further impeding travel."

Mali

Mali

"U.S. citizens are specifically reminded that the restricted areas include Essakane, site of the popular "Festival au Desert" musical event, as well as many other musical and cultural festivals in the regions of Kidal and Gao that are traditionally held between December and February. It should be noted that in addition to the potential terrorist and criminal threats, these celebrations are located in some of the most remote destinations on earth and the Embassy would have extreme difficulty rendering assistance should an emergency occur there."

for the Brits
 

Terror threat pushes Timbuktu on to UK travel blacklist - Telegraph

I thought it appropriate to post the warnings here so we know what we are ignoring. If we so choose.

On a merrier note, this traveller wrote a witty letter of complaint but mixed up desert and dessert which of course noone on this forum ever does. :)
Virgin: the world's best passenger complaint letter? - Telegraph