News from Africa and the Middle East
ORANJIEN ENDS PACT WITH ARGENTINA. Christiansburg, Oranjien. After granting Oranjien independence at the end of the Great War, the region has remained dominated by Argentine business interests. This has primarily been because of standing political agreements including the Executive Trade Act, which has kept economic interest in Oranjien under Argentina's control. President Frej Stensen has long been a loud and outspoken opponent of the relationship with Argentina. Due to the act's expiration this year, the Oranjien government has publically announced that it will not be renewing this relationship with Argentina. Oranjien businessmen are already gleefully awaiting the chance to sell and buy from larger markets, breaking the Argentine monopoly as goods from Brazil and other states could be brought in much more cheaply than the Argentine ones. Trade is expected to start in full swing with next year, as the infrastructure and bureaucracy of the agreement is brought to an end by the standing government.
DROUGHT IN HOLLANDIA. Mombasa, Hollandia. This year has proven to be an exceptionally difficult one for the young nation of Hollandia. Local agricultural production has been dramatically reduced, threatening famine throughout the region. The cause is attributed to a growing drought which has caused many farms to fold throughout the year, leading to a disorganized exodus to the coastal cities. The water shortage appears to be a critical one, and rural homesteads and tribal villages appear to be having a difficult time sustaining themselves. Responding to the crisis, international business has stepped in, particularly Russian agricultural interests, who have stepped up shipping to the region as a whole. A surprising source of aid came from the newly formed monarchy in Adjuuramark, which has been shipping in surplus water and food supplies. Still, many are concerned about the overall water shortage throughout the country, as reports of hundreds dying of dehydration continue to mount among the Hollandian people.
ELECTIONS IN THE KONGO. Haraldsholm, Kongo. As the empire appears to be crumbling around them, the people of Haraldsholm and Scandinavian West Africa have continued to participate in the exercise of voting. Chancellor Lars Sandström has refused to run for reelection and has announced his intent to step down from his post due to health reasons. With anarchy consuming the empire, few are sad to see his departure, and it is alleged that Sandström has been making preparations to migrate to Vinland. These elections have at last seen the fall of the Kongo Colonial Society as the guiding political force in Scandinavian imperial politics. After numerous military and political disasters, it seems the people of the remnants of the empire desire a change in leadership. They have elected multiple new candidates from the moderate National Vanguard Party, who have pledged a more reasoned approach to the affairs of the empire and the free Scandinavian people. Moderate politician Henrik Eklund has been appointed the new Chancellor, and some have suggested that he could begin new negotiations with the rebellious regions and factions. (+1 Stability)
REVOLT IN KABINDE. Luanda, Netherlands. As the Dutch and Scandinavian empires and Angola continue to destabilize, the Netherlands has faced the possibility of yet another colony looking for freedom. In the coastal state of Kabinde, unrest from the Kongo has spilled over into the Dutch colony, as local tribes are stirred up against Dutch rule. Numerous attacks have begun in an disorganized fashion against Dutch military outposts and positions, leading to quite a few being overrun. The white population in the cities along the coast have more or less begun leaving the colony for the Netherlands or Goudkoust, attempting to flee the inevitable larger revolt from the countryside. This has only led to further unrest and fighting as the native population seizes white homesteads and plantations throughout the region. The Dutch authorities seem stymied at every turn, and military forces have been woefully undersupplied and poorly equipped as the nation at home finds itself less and less capable of maintaining order throughout the decaying empire. (-1 Stability, -2 Infantry Brigades, -1 Cavalry Brigade)
FIGHTING IN MADAGASCAR. Antananarivo, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The fighting in Madagascar has escalated to a new stage as both the rebels and the British ramp up their efforts to defeat the enemy. The British have begun deploying aircraft and bombers to the region, and have begun efforts to bomb known rebel strongholds and positions. On the other hand, the rebels have begun wielding a massive amount of military grade weaponry, as reports have stated that a significant number of merchant vessels have been simply just dropping off munitions on the beaches of all shapes and sizes. Most of these have been Russian merchant craft, but the Russian government has been quick to state that these actions are simply those of individuals and that the Russian monarchy certainly cannot control the actions of private businesses and citizens. Regardless, the Malagasy rebels have begun deploying substantial amounts of heavy weaponry against the British forces, inflicting heavy casualties. In retaliation for the bombing attacks, the rebels even attacked and razed the main British airfield, destroying the craft present. (-4 Infantry Brigades, -1 Cavalry Brigade, -1 Dublin-type Fighter Squadron, -2 Westminster-class CAS Squadrons, -1 Oxford-type Bomber Squadron)
FOOD RIOTS IN HOLLANDIA. Mombasa, Hollandia. As the drought and food shortage grew worse throughout the year, thousands of people from the countryside have been out of work and displaced. To make matters worse, the current laws and regulations of the Hollandian government have caused many of these unemployed laborers to be rounded up and hospitalized. As the facilities participating in this have begun to be overwhelmed, unable to even partake in basic medical care, the result has been a backlash against the regime. Major riots began in the slums of Mombasa, wrecking enormous damage and eventually spreading into the wealthier areas of the city. The white population immediately came under attack by the rioters, as the military began to respond. The vicious fighting which erupted led to a purging of the slums, and the construction of major camps outside of the city to hold those believed responsible. The government currently appears torn on the next step, but fencing off the poorer areas of town and regulating urban transit of the black population has been suggested to the current regime.
REVOLUTION IN ANGOLA. Namibe, Angola. The Brazilian dominion of Angola has faced a major uprising this year as the people of the dominion have at last risen in full revolt against their corporate oppressors. Two separate groups, led by various ethnicities have formed the base of the new rebellion. As the two main tribal groups which have been used as enforcers and military recruits by the Angolans and Brazilians, the Ovambo and the Chokwe have led these revolts. With unbridled ferocity, many turned on the Brazilians after being coerced into offensive operations against their own people. The Brazilians were typically overwhelmed and destroyed, and the local garrison has been devastated and slaughtered relentlessly. Only a small minority of Angola's armed forces have remained loyal, predominantly the units consisting of the former Spanish colonial troops and militias. They and the Brazilians have managed to preserve at least some of the dominion from being overrun. Aiding is the continuing tribal disputes and unrest within the new freed states popularly known as Ovamboland and Chokeweland. These were made worse as the British and Oranjien have fought multiple border actions to preserve their borders against these tribes' organization. Still, they have managed to inflict a major military defeat upon their former oppressors, slaughtering Brazilian businessmen who have been forcing them into hard labor and stealing the very wealth from the land.
Casualty Lists
Angola: 3 Infantry Brigades
Brazil: 2 Infantry Brigades, 4 Cavalry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade
Oranjien: 1 Cavalry Brigade
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland: 2 Infantry Brigades
Chokweland: 6 Conscript Brigades, 2 Infantry Brigades
Ovamboland: 4 Conscript Brigades
HASHEMITE SULTAN AVOIDS DEATH. Jeddah, Hashemite Sultanate. Sultan Faisal bin Hashim of the British supported Hashemite Sultanate narrowly avoided assassination this year. As a firm supporter and proponent of British dominance in Arabia over the Hashim family's primary opponents, like the Rashids or Sauds, Sultan Faisal is less than popular among the Arab people he rules. Though he has appointed numerous of his supporters and clan to lead the army and government, those who had bought into Arab nationalism under the empire continue to oppose him. This was shown this year as the sultan was nearly poisoned at dinner, narrowly avoiding death as his youngest son took a glass of wine meant for him. The son nearly died from the poison, but thanks to a British attendant doctor, he was able to recover, despites his close encounter. Outraged, the sultan has imprisoned much of his kitchen staff and investigations have begun throughout the nation to root out any conspiracy involved in the attempt upon his life. So far, very little progress has been made by the sultan's forces.
PROTESTS HELD IN TURKEY. Konya, Turkey. Major new protests were staged in Turkey this year, calling for higher tariffs and protections against Roman goods and dominance. The restoration of the Roman Empire has begun to threaten local Turkish industry and business as the border trade resumes. Spurred by local business interests, the protests have lobbied for new tariffs to protect local jobs and the economy. The government of Prime Minister Kamal Atay has responded to these protests, stating that his regime would not be held ransom and will continue to spur both the greater good of the global economy and the Turkish people. The argument has been made that the fairly low tariffs currently in place enable a better standard of living and more luxuries than would have been otherwise provided for the Turkish people. The liberals have taken considerable fire for this stand against the protests, and some believe it could reflect poorly upon them with the 1928 elections not far away.
SOUTH AFRICA ANNOUNCES INFRASTRUCTURE PLANS. Cape Town, South Africa. A year after gaining their dominion status from the British Empire, President Michael Williams has announced a two part program to improve the infrastructure of the nation. The first part is an ambitious project to modernize the sewage disposal systems of Cape Town and other large cities, providing better sanitation and water treatment. The second part of the program, and by far the more expensive portion of the effort, is directed at building modern roads designed for automobiles to stretch across the expanse of the nation. The road building is determined to cross areas under tribal dispute as well as create new jobs and employment throughout the region, adding both complexity and opportunity to the new project. Furthermore, the program seeks to offer better roads and transit in the larger cities, focusing on paving existing roads and coordinating traffic of automobiles throughout the capital and ports of the nation. Very little opposition exists towards this plan, though some are concerned about the expense required. They have suggested seeking British financing to aid in the development of South Africa's infrastructure and economy.
CRISIS IN THE KONGO. Haraldsholm, Kongo. The fighting in the Kongo escalated throughout the year, as it seems that at long last, the Scandinavian government in Haraldsholm has begun to lose control of the remainder of the provinces. Though the Kongo's "central provinces" and west African territories continue to remain in order, it seems that the successes of the Abyssinians and the fall of Adjuuramark have led to a new order in Africa. Substantial territories and tracts of land have fallen while other European powers have stepped in to preserve order. Armies from the Roman Empire, Italy, and Russia seem equally stymied as they fight a losing battle to preserve the holdings of the Scandinavian emperors. The collapse of order in Africa is one of significant import to the region and thus has been granted a specialized section, displayed below to address each area of the failing Scandinavian empire in turn.
ITALY GRANTS HOLY LAND TO THE PAPACY. Jerusalem, Papal States. In a move of surprising reverence and loyalty to the Papacy, the Italian monarchy signed over the city of Jerusalem and much of what people call the Holy Land to the Papal States. The move has been seen as an act of reconciliation between the Italian monarchy and the Pope, which has been a relationship badly strained during the process of Italian unification. Pope Paul VI has welcomed the gift, and it has done much to improve his secular power and the Papacy's influence in both Europe and the Middle East. In Italy, this has been a
very unpopular decision, as it has been seen as a massive betrayal of Italian nationalism and economic interests. The government, and monarchy in particular has been heavily criticized for the lost of the most valuable part of Italy's Holy Land possessions, and major protests have been held, further demonstrating against the perceived incompetence and foolishness of the Italian government. In the Holy Land itself, this has been viewed with abhorrence by the local Jewish and Islamic populations, who are highly concerned at the implication that the center of Catholic religion would now be governing them. This has creating substantial instability in the region, threatening even open revolt against the Papacy and Italy. (-1 Stability in Italy and the Holy Land)
SARDINIANS CRACK DOWN IN TUNIS. Tunis, Sardinia. Thank to the war with Italy, the Sardinians had nearly lost control of their sole African holding, as various rebel groups seized neighborhoods and even threatened oust the Sardinian colonial government. Thanks to the conclusion of the war, the Sardinians have an opportunity once more to swing the hammer of imperialism to smash the nationalist dissent. The Sardinians immediately rushed more forces into the region, many of them veterans of the brief fighting with Italy on land. The reinforcements have gone to work in isolating and destroying any rebel enclaves and strongholds. They have had limited success in this, and while the crackdown has stopped the areas of open revolt, few leaders were captured. Furthermore, in the battles fought, the Sardinians have consistently been at a disadvantage, losing far more than they've gained. It's clear that the Tunisians continue to retain substantial arms and forces, readying themselves for a new conflict against their imperial master. (-3 Infantry Brigades)
SPECIAL: Crisis in the Kongo
REVOLT IN TADJOURA. Tadjoura, Kongo. As they began preparing for a new offensive to support the Scandinavian push back into Abyssinia, the Russians and Romans came under attack themselves along the coast both in Abyssinia and Tadjoura. Part of this was combined with the Arab uprising in the Sudan, but a large revolt took place against the Russian and Roman soldiers, who have been commandeering local businesses and homes for their war effort. At last the situation was deemed intolerable, and to the horror of the colonial overseers and soldiers, white fought alongside black to kill Russian and Roman warriors. The result was a brutal slaughter, as while the rebels took the Russians and their allies by surprise, eventually they fought back, and hard. They spared no weapon in their campaign against the rebels, razing villages and using close air support to demolish any perceived stronghold. Casualties were harsh, and the time spent stabilizing the rear ultimately caused even more supply shortages, preventing much more than limited involvement in the fighting in Abyssinia.
Casualty Lists
Roman Empire: 6 Infantry Brigades, 4 Artillery Brigades, 1 H-1921 CAS Squadron
Russia: 4 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 2 Artillery Brigades
FIGHTING IN ABYSSINIA. Addis Ababa, Abyssinia. The heaviest fighting in the revolts to date have been between the Abyssinian rebels and the imperial government based in Haraldsholm. While the Russians and Romans struggled to preserve their supply bases and ports, only being able to bring supplies in a trickle through the Red Sea, the Scandinavians launched their last ditch attempt to restore order. With no air support, disloyal guides, and a well prepared enemy, the Scandinavians essentially charged into a massive trap. The Abyssinians possessed significant airpower, including some newer Brazilian style bombers, strafing and bombing the advancing Scandinavians. On top of this, airborne reconnaissance gave them a massive advantage over their opponents, and smashed them in open battle. The Abyssinians have so far not pushed further into Scandinavian territories, as they were forced to turn and confront several halfhearted advances made by the Roman and Russian armies later in the year. In these battles they eventually did lose air superiority, as the better Russian aircraft managed to decimate all but the finest Abyssinian fighters.
Casualty Lists
Abyssinia: 16 Conscript Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades, 3 P-16 Fighter Squadrons (+1 Army Quality, +1 Air Force Quality)
Kongo: 5 Conscript Brigades, 6 Infantry Brigades, 3 Cavalry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades (+1 Army Quality)
Roman Empire: 3 Infantry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade
Russia: 3 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 1 C-1293 Fighter Squadron
REVOLT IN TANGANYIKA. Dar-es-Saalam. Tanganyika. As the main army of Kongo continued fighting in the north, they began to lose control in other provinces of the extended empire. First of these was the province of Tanganyika. Assisted by mercenaries, predominantly discharged veterans of the British army, they organized a local militia from the various troops. Raising a force, they managed to capture Dar-es-Saalam from the garrison remaining, pushing through and forcing the surrender of the local fort. The army was then charged with reinforcements, and acquired numerous weapons from the local arsenal and production. With their cause fueled by new arms, they managed to force back the remaining Scandinavian troops in the province and establish a new border with the interior provinces of Kongo itself. So far the fighting has been fairly limited, but this has proven yet another blow to the integrity and prosperity of the Kongo.
Casualty Lists
Kongo: 1 Infantry Brigade
Tanganyika: 2 Conscript Brigades
LIBERTY FOR MOZAMBIQUE. Mozambique, Mozambique. As Tanganyika won its independence through force from the Kongo, the province to the south, the much less populated Mozambique, sought to achieve its own freedom. With the withdrawal of Scandinavian armies to fight the Tanganyikans and Abyssinians, there remained only the smallest garrison in Mozambique itself. The city leaders and local supporters declared independence, harkening back to their heritage as a free city absorbed by the Scandinavian empire. They have declared the new Republic of Mozambique, taking charge of the militia garrison and calling for the support of the various rebel groups in the country side. These rebel groups have mostly answered the call to arms, bringing their weapons and training to bear to support the new government. So far, they have not met any European force in battle, but seek to preserve their independence, hopefully through negotiations with the government in Haraldsholm. Initial elections have been held among the council of Mozambique, and the Scandinavian constitution has been more or less retained by the local forces. The elections have seen the victory of the Liberal Party, which has appointed Rashed Löfgren as the new Chancellor of Mozambique.
THE SELF-CONQUEST OF SUDAN. Khartoum, Sudan. As one of the main regions the Scandinavians have relied upon to suppress the others, the Sudan has maintained a strong military tradition over the rest of the provinces in the empire. To this end, it has been a growing issue, particularly with rebellions throughout the countryside. One Arabic leader, Zaman Karim has led his forces in battle, marching them straight into Khartoum, the center of the province's trade and economy. The local garrison was overwhelmed and destroyed by the rebels, and Karim proclaimed himself the new sultan of the Sudan. Seeking to further his control, he led a strong army against the rest of the Sudan, conquering it one city after another, eventually running into the greatest resistance from Russian and Roman forces in the southeast. Though he won several victories against these armies, he was still eventually halted, primarily as he was forced to turn his own forces north to confront an Italian invasion. Still, his victories against the supporters of the imperial regime have been impressive, and he has garnered much personal support and acclaim.
Casualty Lists
Roman Empire: 5 Infantry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade
Russia: 2 Infantry Brigades
Sudan: 12 Conscript Brigades
THE ITALIAN DISASTER. Benghazi, Italy. With the Treaty of St Gallen and following agreements with Spain granting control of Egypt to the Italians, a period of transition immediately began. The Spanish forces were withdrawn from Egypt rapidly, particularly as the situation in Iberia deteriorated and new nations gained independence. Much of this withdrawal took place before the Italian troops could actually take their place, being pulled out of both Piedmont and western Libya. Nearly three hundred thousand Italian soldiers were sent, with hardly any air, tank, or artillery support, and most of them short on supplies. The Egyptians, some of whom had already armed themselves and seized power, immediately resisted the Italian takeover, leading to bloodbaths throughout the nation. The Italians found it incredibly difficult to restore order and to establish their control over Egypt, having massive casualties in the process. What planes they did send in, were rarely able to be repaired or fueled, as no airfields or air bases actually existed. Over half of all planes sent in were rendered useless within months caused by deterioration from sand storms and a lack of replacement parts. To make matters worse, the government ordered an assault south to support the imperial Scandinavian government. Badly armed, and with limited support units, the Italians charged in, only to be humiliatingly expected and utterly devastated by the Sudanese sultan's army. The Italians have retreated in disarray, to find only a renewed Egyptian uprising, and it's estimated that over eighty percent of the Italian forces brought into Egypt and Sudan will never be leaving. The home repercussions have been massive, as the government has been accused of vast incompetence, leading to growing discontent.
Casualty Lists
Italy: 81 Infantry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades, 2 Determination-class Fighter Squadrons, 3 I-1923mII Bomber Squadrons (-1 Stability in Italy and North Africa)
Sudan: 12 Conscript Brigades, 2 Infantry Brigades
BOMBING OF ADJUURAMARK. Mogadishu, Adjuuramark. Those supporting the Scandinavian imperial regime found themselves this year greatly strained in supplies and other resources. The mercenary kingdom in Adjuuramark was deemed one of the least acceptable rebel movements, but with uprisings in Sudan and Tadjoura, no one possessed the resources to attack it directly. The Russians decided to handle the rebellious region with their usual tact and grace, deploying the navy and air corps to respond to the upstart king. Using both land bases and carrier aircraft, the Russians launched an ambitious campaign of discriminate bombing against the rebellious cities of the Adjuuramark. They have sought to destroy local arms factories and munitions plants, using their new bombers en masse against the forces of King Daniel. Thanks to aid from Brazilian benefactors, the king was able to begin production of new aircraft in secret, bringing in supplies from wherever needed, and evenly recycling local produce for the creation of the new craft. The war in the air was still dominated by the Russians, though the Adjuuramarkan interception forces managed some small victories and successes in the skies, bringing down a large amount of bombers, despite their own heavy losses.
Casualty Lists
Adjuuramark: 2 P-21 Fighter Squadrons
Russia: 1 C-1293 Fighter Squadron, 1 CB-1924 Bomber Squadron
