The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) published on 21 November 2016 a commentary titled "Does the Islamic State Threaten Al-Shabaab's Hegemony in Somalia?" by Omar S. Mahmood, researcher at ISS.
The author concluded that so far the Islamic State has had limited influence in the region but is working to expand its influence. Sustained resistance by al-Shabaab ensures the Islamic State has an uphill battle to gain greater acceptance in a region where al-Qaeda has historically been more important.