Boko Haram's six year long insurgency centered in north east Nigeria, has claimed the lives of thousands of civilians and displaced millions more. The Islamist group's activities have recently spread to neighboring nations such as Cameroon, Niger and Chad. Earlier this month, Boko Haram swore its allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (IS), which reciprocated last week by accepting the pledge.

While some see the alliance as an act of desperation by Boko Haram, following a recent series of military setbacks, other analysts warn that the Nigerian group is well placed to become an IS satellite on the African continent.

We hear the commentary of several analysts, on whether the new alliance has affected Boko Haram’s influence on the ground, the chances of expanding its ranks with the youth of other African nations, and its effect on the upcoming Nigerian elections.

Jason Lim contributed to this report.

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Tags:  boko haram,  africa,  nigeria,  islamic state,  isis,  is,  terrorist,  terrorism