Publication

In August 2016, Boko Haram officially split into two groups – Islamic State-West Africa (ISIS-WA), led by Abu Musab al-Barnawi, and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), led by long-time militant Abubakar Shekau. In response to this development, this report examines the timing and reasons for this split as well as the two factions’ relations, attack patterns, areas of operation, recruitment, popularity, financing and more. The authors note that one key strategic element resulting from the division of Boko Haram into two groups has been the development of a longer-term vision by ISIS-WA, which could threaten stability in the Lake Chad region into the future.