The recent audio message released by Islamic State’s official spokesman Abu Hudhayfah al-Ansari on March 28th, 2024, during Ramadan, highlights the group’s ongoing call to action and outlines its short-term propaganda strategy.
On April 8th, 2024, the Al Azaim Foundation released The Voice of Khurasan Issue 34 titled “The Bear Bewildered.” This publication analysed the recent terrorist attacks in Moscow defined as a 'retaliation' and serves as a call to action aimed at mobilising the Muslim Ummah against perceived Western invasions and advocating for the restoration of the Caliphate.
Following the Crocus City Hall attack, the Islamic State has further increased its online propaganda, inviting its affiliates to conduct new actions globally. The activity of Islamic State provinces in Africa and the Middle East has not ceased and has indeed seen a further increase in attacks against civilians.
Understanding the impact that jihadist propaganda and violent attacks have on regional dynamics is fundamental to assess the geopolitical risk that a target area might face. The primary aim of this report is to gather Islamic State West Africa Wilayah (ISWAP)’s statements, which are dispersed across various media channels, in order to acquire insights into the group’s rhetoric and propaganda techniques.
This report aims to describe recent events surrounding ISWAP after the death of Ba'ha Shuwa and the security situation in Western Africa and also wants to assess regional geopolitical risk considering Islamic State fighters' growing violent attacks and jihadist propaganda.