An important militant group has announced that it will split.

The recent attack in Algeria raises the question of whether the wider region could see similar incidents.

The jihadist group faces hostile forces and difficult terrain.

A West African-led peacekeeping force will probably be deployed in northern Mali in the next few months.

Increasing pressure on the jihadist group could compel more kidnappings to raise revenue.

Regional Islamist groups, other African states and the West may be getting more involved in northern Mali.