Factional Dynamics within Boko Haram

The first in a two-part study examining current dynamics in violent extremist organisations.

This report is the first in a two-part study examining current dynamics with regards to violent extremist organisations (VEOs) operating in the Lake Chad region (Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger). This report examines factionalism within the Boko Haram movement, while the second report profiles current responses and challenges.

About the authors

Omar S Mahmood is an ISS researcher based in Addis Ababa. He has worked as a security consultant on the Lake Chad Basin and Horn of Africa, senior analyst for a Washington DC-based consultancy, and Peace Corps volunteer in Burkina Faso. Omar has a Master’s in Security Studies and Conflict Resolution from the Fletcher School, Tufts University, Boston.

Ndubuisi Christian Ani is an ISS researcher based in Addis Ababa. His research interests cover peace and security, democracy and governance, social cohesion, and indigenous systems. Ndubuisi has a PhD in international relations from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Picture: EC/ECHO/Anouk Delafortrie