It is not clear when or where the video was made.
Shekau has made anti-American statements before, though it has not been a major theme in his rhetoric. One previous statement linking Boko Haram to global jihadism was released soon after Shekau took over the reins of Mohammed Yusuf’s disciples and the group re-emerged on the Nigerian stage. According to Reuters he said in July 2010, “infidels, hypocrites and apostates: Do not think jihad is over. Rather jihad has just begun. O America, die with your fury!”
What may be new in this latest statement is a focus on Mali. While there are many possible hypotheses, one is that Shekau is reaching out to the radical Islamic leadership in northern Mali as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) prepares for possible intervention under U.N. auspices. If Shekau is broadening his focus beyond Nigeria, individuals, institutions, or interests associated with the United States in Nigeria, or elsewhere in the Sahel, could become targets.
