A magazine published earlier this week by the Islamic State, which regards the Nigerian organization as its West African affiliate, referred to Abu Musab al-Barnawi as Boko Haram’s purported new leader.
Advertisement
Shekau made the announcement in a YouTube audio recording Thursday and described the new leader Abu Musab al-Barnawi as an infidel who will never earn his allegiance.
The BBC reports that, “Abubakar Shekau’s outburst clearly shows that there are deep disagreements, which could translate into clashes between the foot soldiers loyal to the two leaders”.
The ISIS terror group has appointed a new leader for its branch in West Africa, the Nigeria-based Boko Haram.
Al-Barnawi is said to be allied to Ansaru, which split from Boko Haram in 2012 because it disagrees with the indiscriminate killing of civilians, especially Muslims.
Under Shekau, the seven-year campaign spread to neighbouring countries, killed more than 20,000 people and drove more than 2.2 millon from their homes.
“They deceived me”, he says of certain segments of Boko Haram, implying those who chose to go with the Islamic State.
“Under Shekau, Boko Haram has targeted and killed more Muslims than Christians in raids by suicide bombers and gunmen”.
But the interview with al-Banarwi and Shekau’s audio message have brought the division out in the open.
Boko Haram, which has lost most of the territory it controlled 18 months ago, is fighting to overthrow Nigeria’s government.
“No, I won’t. We can not subject ourselves to people who are in ignorance of all holy books and teachings”, he said in a speech, which was posted on social media. “People should know we are still around”, Shekau said.
“Boko Haram’s wanton violence has always been a concern for Isil”, he said.
In March 2016, Boko Haram was believed to have released a video featuring Shekau.
The Security analyst urged all Nigerians and opposing politicians to support the Federal Government in the fight against Boko Haram and ISIS. He claimed that increasing numbers of youth are joining the cause, though Nigeria’s military reports that hundreds of its fighters have surrendered as aerial bombardments and ground assaults cut supply routes.
Advertisement
While repeatedly acknowledging the legitimacy of Baghdadi, Shekau accused the Daesh leadership of ignoring correspondence in which he explained the situation within the group, adding: “We are therefore shocked to read the contents of the said [Barnawi] interview”.
