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| Africa Subsaharan |
| Boko Haram pledges allegiance to the Islamic State |
| 2015-06-21 |
| [Daily Maverick] After months of teasing, Boko Haram has finally pledged allegiance to the Islamic State; an unholy alliance that, in theory, makes both sides bigger, badder and more brutal than ever before. But what if the theory is wrong? What if this is a sign of weakness, not strength? Boko Haram won't appreciate the analogy, but it fits: like a stripper tantalising her way towards the big reveal, the Nigerian militants have been teasing this one for months. There was the talk last year of joining a caliphate; the sudden change of tactics to emulate the Islamic State's successes; and, recently, the none-too-subtle flirting on Twitter. So the announcement, when it came, was no surprise -- but no less momentous for it. Abubakar Shekau, in an audio message, confirmed that he as boko haram leader had pledged bayat -- allegiance -- to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Emir of the Islamic State and self-declared Caliph. More than likely a desperate move by BH. They've been taken on by a consortium of private security personnel in league with the host government. Mineral rights must be protected. Related article, book review. |
| Posted by:Besoeker |