Boko Haram releases two videos without Shekau

The group Islamic State of West Africa, formerly Boko Haram has released two new videos on which its leader Abubakar Shekau does not appear.

In the video of about 17 minutes, the man in question, is not known and isn't seen. He spoke Arabic with a strong Hausa accent.

He denied recent statements by the Nigerian army under which the group was defeated and that its members have surrendered. He also denied the rescue of women and children by Nigerian forces. He denied the statements he regards as propaganda of the Nigerian army which has failed to defeat them, he said.

The jihadist also indicated that the violent struggle to establish a caliphate is still ongoing and that the group is sure of victory.

The video filmed in a forest shows a dozen fighters dressed mainly in black and turban and holding sophisticated weapons. The absence of Shekau who often appears in such videos generated speculation about his physical health.

The video does not show the usual scenes of cities under control and hundreds of fighters on motorcycles and on board tanks. This proves, according to analysts, the group is weakened because the fight against terrorism is continued by the security forces.