I don't know if you have experience in Africa or in the third world, but if you don't, you may really be underestimating the volatility and danger of the situation. I haven't been in Africa for over 20 years, but was working in Ghana during two coup-de-etats. Things get out of control and you're really on your own. Being a citizen of some other country quickly means nothing.
Are you connected with any agency or institution? Do you have any contacts there? Do you speak French? Even if you do speak French, a lot of people won't. It seems that if you're turning to the internet for basic info--like travel, customs, currency--you might be getting in over your head, considering how unstable things are there. Common sense sometimes isn't enough when you're in a strange culture in a country that's coming apart at the seams.
