Rise and fall of Boko Haram in post pandemic world

Last month, reports claimed Abubakar Shekau may have died while conducting a suicide bombing raid against rival militant group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). If the infamous leader of Boko Haram is dead, this could spell doom for the jihadists in months to come. However, the group’s militant leader has been known to have been reported dead four times in the past, but top officials within the CIA and Nigerian government believe that the militant leader may have spent his 5^th and final life.

Groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS tend to be less hierarchical which allows for a smooth transition of power when a predecessor dies. Shekau’s creation of a cult of personality within Boko Haram; however, and the precedence he set for mass violence, may lead to the dissolution of the group altogether as any charismatic leader looking to fill Shekau’s shoes may be at odds with ambitious contenders. It should be interesting to see in the coming months whether the group can survive its most turbulent times ahead.