The neocon crowd occasionally tries to stir up some interest in African conflicts based on the Islamist angle. The truth is their black hearts aren't really in it. There's just not enough oil to get them really excited. However, China does seem to have a growing interest in the situation.

I can't see any prospect for a resolution of the post colonial tribal conflicts. However, to the extent that they can be fitted into the chess board of the Middle East, they have some potential to become second string pawns.