Boko Haram's Latest Announcement Could Mean Terror Group's Split
The founder of the Islamic State group in sub-Saharan Africa says he's still the leader of Boko Haram.
The Islamic State announced Wednesday it picked Abu Musab Al-Barnawi as its new leader, but Abubakar Shekau says he is not going anywhere.
The announcement highlights the terror group's internal rift.
"Today, I woke up to see one who is an infidel whom they want me to follow. No, I won't ... We cannot subject ourselves to people who are in ignorance of all holy books and teachings," Shekau said in the speech delivered in Arabic and Hausa and posted on social media.
Shekau called the announcement "a coup."
His declaration could pave the way for a break from the Islamic State group and Boko Haram's possible return to the influence of al Qaeda, the Associated Press reported.
Shekau criticized Al-Barnawi, calling him an "infidel" preaching "false creeds" because Al-Barnawi promised to end attacks on mosques and Muslim markets – a hallmark of Boko Haram.
