News from Africa and the Middle East
FIRST ZULU ELECTIONS HELD. Bulawayo, Zululand. After the onset of reforms last year, the Zulu people began holding their first regional and national elections throughout this one. The elections were harshly disputed, but the chief contender remained the Party of Tradition, which was endorsed and supported by King Shaka III. The Party of Traditions core remains the old aristocracy and plutocrats who managed the nation during the war for independence and in some cases, before the war with the British. They have advocated the retaining of old traditions and social systems, resisting the disruptive change that comes from liberalism or other branches. Under their influence, traditional proletarist parties have been barred from participating in the elections, and they have managed to get the partys voice heard above all others. With full exposure to the masses, the Party of Tradition found the contest far more easily won than expected, and they have appointed former military leader Thalbo Malan as Zululands first prime minister. (+1 Stability)
REPUBLIC FORMED IN CHAD. Abeche, Chad. The people of Chad have voted in their first and final constitution this year, seeking to create a republican government free of the corruption witnessed under Spanish rule. Within the committee assembled, the conservative voices were heard the loudest, as former members of the old supportive regime managed to get their own views heard the most. They have supported the creation of a constitution highly favoring the status quo and old business exploitation. While not exactly a popular platform, it has been justified under the pledge of creating more employment and removing corruption from the day to day life of governance. The Foundation Party has been formed, pledging to retain a favorable relationship with all neighbors, including Spain. The new legislature has been packed full of these conservative ministers, after the elections proved highly successful. The next elections are slated to be held every six year, with the following ones being in 1941. Adoum Dadnadji, a popular militia leader, has been selected as the first prime minister of Chad by the majority party in the new nations Congress.
FLOODING CAUSES DAMAGE IN ABYSSINIA. Kebri Dehar, Abyssinia. The Shabelle River overwhelmed its banks this year after a season of torrential rains and unusually high river marks. The floods have wrecked a number of riverside villages and communities, causing many to be forced out of their homes. The damage has been badly treating the nations infrastructure, and series of new bridges were washed away and wiped out by the rising floodwaters. The government has stated that the cost to the nations new road and railroad development program. The construction has been delayed substantially, as the nation has been forced to focus resources towards rebuilding those bridges recently destroyed. The worsening floodwaters eventually receded, but many are now returning home to shattered lives and wrecked houses. Talks have begun about extending the current infrastructure program to include reinforcement of riverside levees, in the hopes of preventing worse flooding in the future. (-30 EP progress into infrastructure program)
EGYPTIAN ELECTIONS HELD. Cairo, Egypt. Elections have been held for only the second time in Egypt this year, as the Peoples Democratic Coalition at last fell apart. The various parties involved have consolidated into smaller groups, some religious, others more secular. The leading liberal party which has emerged, led by President Fadl Fakhri Ahmed, is the Republic Party, and has vowed to continue the currently extant policies of the regime. The elections have proven to be fairly straightforward at first, but the inherent chaos caused by the collapse of the coalition have led to confusion among the electorate. This in turn has resulted in a drop of the overall liberal control of the legislature, and it seems likely the situation is not going to improve. Substantial bickering and infighting has taken place, and with this has come worsened stability, even as President Ahmed has graciously accepted yet another term in office by the sympathetic majority. (-1 Stability)
ELECTIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA. Cape Town, South Africa. The nation of South Africa has not faced the same level of economic woes as the rest of the British Empire, or indeed the world. The lack of economic failure in South Africa has done much to bolster the credibility of the reigning Labour Party government under President Robert Hazard. Though the economy has stagnated as a whole, the situation is still better than most countries globally, and the approval of the masses has been witnessed at the polls. The majority of the population seems to still support the Labour Party and they have managed to win a handy victory across the board, keeping them in charge of the nation. The one change this year has been as President Hazard announced his retirement of politics, and a new President has been appointed. Christopher Mitchell has been selected as the new presidential representative of the Labour Party, and he has promised to continue forward the popular and successful policies of his predecessor.
ARAB FIGHTERS ATTACK IN GERMAN ARABIA. Damascus, Germany. The German colonial government in the Middle East has begun to face direct attack by the local movement unknown as the Arabic Islamic Fighters. These guerillas have begun to assault German military arsenals and positions directly, with greater numbers than previously surmised. The rebels have vowed to overthrow the German crusader state and have vowed a holy war against local rule until freedom is obtained. They have won some successes against the German garrison, wiping out a number of border outposts and raiding arsenals for supplies. Against this has been German military successes as the Germans undertake their own campaign to quell the resistance. The Germans have successfully destroyed several rebel strongholds, wiping out a few minor cadres of the rebel movement against them. The German colonial governor has declared the situation to be well in hand, despite a few minor setbacks across the region. (-2 Infantry Brigades)
BLOODY REVOLT IN SPANISH CENTRAL AFRICA. Bria, Spain. The independence of Chad has only encouraged other groups within the faltering Spanish Empire, and the rest of Central Africa has continued to suffer. This year a major revolt took place among the Baya population of the central parts of the Spanish colony in the middle of Africa. The revolt has been to a great scale, not seen in the region before. Massive attacks were launched against the Spanish garrison, and the Spanish were hard pressed to maintain order and even their hold on the colony as a whole. The fighting was brutal, but eventually the Spanish garrison managed to turn the tide and suppress the uprising with heavy casualties. The rebels attempted to appeal for the support of Chad and other surrounding nations, but the newly elected government of Chad declined to provide aid to the uprising. The Spanish have since arrested most of the rebel leaders, but the brutality of the unrest has led to the destabilization of relations with other tribes, and it seems likely the situation in Central Africa has only been exacerbated by this abortive revolt. (-2 Infantry Brigades, -3 Cavalry Brigades, -2 Artillery Brigades)
ATTACKS IN BRITISH ARABIA. Riyadh, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The British colonial government in Arabia has continued to face unrest from the tribal nomads that now make up much of the resistance in the peninsula. Though there are more organized groups in the larger cities of the colony, the tribes have spent much of their history first fighting the Arabian Empire, and now the British. They have raided British caravans and assaulted forts and other bases throughout the colony. This has included some attacks on the vital oil facilities, though thankfully these have all been repulsed by defending British garrisons. The British have condemned these attacks, but have not had much luck in tracking down and eliminating the offenders. It is believed the attacks will continue as the tribes fight to retain their way of life and internal autonomy. (-1 Infantry Brigade)
COUP DEPOSES TYRANT IN ABYSSINIA. Addis Ababa, Abyssinia. After a lackluster government response to the devastating flooding along the Sabelle River, factions within the military against the regime of Grand Marshal Orit grew. Yared Orit was already a man with substantial enemies due to his takeover of the Abyssinian government after fighting for independence against the Kongo. A group of military leaders and republican activists have since launched a revolution against the Grand Marshal, and it proved to be a highly successful action. The revolt was staged within Addis Ababa itself, and the Grand Marshal was placed under arrest, and loyalists across the nation were rounded up over the course of a week. The leader of the revolt, Kifle Bulti, has declared the beginning of a truly free republic and the end of military rule. He has announced that fair and free elections will be held next year, with the implementation of a new, liberating constitution. (+1 Stability)
ANGOLAN CIVIL WAR ERUPTS. Namibe, Angola. The small African nation of Angola has erupted into civil war this year after an attempted military coup failed to secure a rapid transition of power. The tyranny of General Teodoro Gallego has been well known since the acquisition of power from Brazils dominion. Despite some early hopes that he would establish a free democracy in Angola, it seems that he has grown too accustomed to power and its perks. A group of rivals within the army have sought to end the reign of Gallego, and launched a move to seize control of Namibe and arrest the tyrant. Unfortunately, General Gallego caught wind of the upcoming coup, and was able to fortify the capital with loyal regiments. The fighting was brutal, but eventually the loyalist forces were able to push back the attack and maintain the generals power. General Anahi Simbron, the leader of the opposition, has vowed to continue the fight until the Angolan people are truly free from oppression, whether foreign or local in its origin.
Casualty Lists
Angola (Gallego Faction): 1 Infantry Brigade, 1 Artillery Brigade
Angola (Martinez Faction): 1 Infantry Brigade
MUTINY IN BURUNDI. Kalemie, Burundi. The nation of Burundi emerged from the end of British colonial rule in Southeast Africa as a raider state, seeking to pillage its neighbors for wealth. The large war with Zambia and the support of Chokweland forced a conclusion to this method of economic sustainment, and the government has instead focused on consolidating power. Unfortunately, these efforts and changes are not appreciated by the rank and file, some of whom generally enjoyed and profited from the looting which took place. This year they turned their guns against their superiors, and proceeded to begin marauding throughout the countryside of Burundi itself. Obviously, this flagrant attack and revolt could not go unanswered by the leader of the nation, Imamu Bapela. Loyal military forces were immediately moved in to quell the revolt, and after a bloody fight, succeeded in executing all those who had dared to revolt. The possessions of the slain mutineers have been divided among the victorious troops, helping to buy the loyalty of the remaining forces. (-1 Infantry Brigade)
CONSCRIPTS RIOT AMONG THE CHOKWE. Luau, Chokweland. The war between the Chokwe and Ovambo has not been very popular on the home front, despite the encouragement for the offensive from foreign powers. This year, the unpopularity of the war was demonstrated with a revolt among the new ranks of Chokwe conscripts recruited for waging the war and invasion. When ordered to march to the war in the south, these conscripts chose instead to riot, killing their officers and threatening to bring chaos to the area surrounding the base. Loyal military forces were quickly sent in to restore order, but found the riot too large to immediately handle. The base was cordoned off, and more military forces were diverted from the front lines, including aircraft and heavy equipment. With the deployment of artillery and tanks, the revolt was suppressed, but casualties proved heavy on both sides of the impromptu battle. (-2 Conscript Brigades)
EGYPTIAN UNIONS SPLIT AMID BICKERING. Cairo, Egypt. The largest and most prominent Egyptian unions suffered a severe blow this year, as union leaders wound up disagreeing on a number of key issues. Several proponents of proletarism have found their words unwelcome among the majority of union leaders, and the result was a violent confrontation which has led to the collapse of a unified worker front in Egypt. The event has resulted in an clear and obvious loss of power and influence for unions, and with it, the subduing of one of the most politically disruptive forces in the nation. Business leaders have privately rejoiced upon the news, and it seems to have gone a long way to helping stabilize the nations overall internal situation. Some workers have called for reconciliation, but it seems that ideological differences will make forward progression too difficult. (+1 Stability)
COUP CRUSHED IN GABON. Moanda, Gabon. Despite the nations short existence, there has been more than enough time for political factions to form in the African nation of Gabon. It has become clear to some leaders of the armed forces that General Ekene Mba has no desire for anything other than his own power and glorification. His absolute reign is to be unchallenged, and this has not sat well with those who had helped lead the fight for independence against Burgundy. A number of reformists began plotting this year to undertake a revolt against Mba and his own supporters, ousting him and helping establish a free republic. These plans, while not immediately discovered by the government, ultimately were revealed not long before they were put into motion. General Mba was thus able to lure the rebels into an ambush outside of Moanda, and enact a devastating slaughter. While this has been a success for now, most of the leaders of the revolt have eluded capture or death, and could still pose a threat to the stability of General Mbas regime. (-1 Infantry Brigade)
ATTACKS BUILD SUPPORT AGAINST IRAN. Baghdad, Iran. The Arab revolutionaries in Mesopotamia have continued their own war against Iran this year, seeking to undermine and overthrow the occupying government. An attempt was made to assassinate the leadership, but was easily detected, and the would-be assassin was sent back in pieces to the Iranian leadership. This was followed by a series of bombings against government installations and the assassination of Iranian occupation officials throughout the area. This has done much to destabilize the region, and has built up even more support for the rebels against Iran. Reports have also indicated that several major successes were had by the rebels in seizing munitions from the Iranians, and with these successes, the Arab rebellion has swelled its ranks, and reportedly grows stronger with each passing day. (-1 Stability)
REPUBLICANS RALLY IN KABINDE. Luanda, Kabinde. Since acquiring independence from the Netherlands, Commander Ludo Janz has ruled Kabinde with an iron fist, without heeding any calls for reform or change. He has further garnered support from foreign governments, particularly Brazil as he retains a militaristic stance towards Kongo and proletarism in Africa. The Commander faced a new threat this year as a number of people have marched in Luanda demanding democratic representation and the formation of a republic. The army was immediately called in, but proved lackluster in their performance and attempts to shut down the protests. Thankfully, violence was avoided, but the protests have seriously damaged the credibility of the regime, and have rallied support for the opposing cause. The republicans have lauded the protests as a major success, as they have built up more support for reform or even the ouster of the Janz government. (-1 Stability)
VARUKORGBOLL RIOT IN KONGO. Haraldsholm, Kongo. The sporting event known as varukorgboll started in Vinland, but has since been a popular pastime in both Scandinavia and Kongo. This year, the game was turned upside down when a team from the interior of Kongo deployed a black player. The team played against the home team in Haraldsholm, and managed to humiliate them with a crushing victory. This victory sparked outrage among the viewers of the game, and the result was a sprawling riot throughout the area around the arena. The rioting was vicious and racially based, as the angry crowd attacked black members of the populace, and proved to be brutal in their treatment of these poor souls. The black player of the varukorgboll team barely escaped with his life, but is unlikely to ever play again due to his injuries. The Emperor has denounced this riotous behavior, and has called for calm, thankfully having his request answered. The crowds dispersed after only one violent evening, and it seems that the debacle was a one night only display.
BRAZIL GAINS NEW PORT IN AFRICA WITH BENIN TREATY. Lagos, Benin. The young nation of Benin has only barely begun its existing, receiving much sympathy from the global community due to its treatment by the crazed regime in Paris. The Brazilians have capitalized upon the current status of Benin with the signing of a new treaty which has granted them a fifty year lease upon a naval base in the port city of Lagos. Three destroyers are now stationed at the old Burgundian facilities, on rotating patrol duty throughout the southern Atlantic Ocean. Benin has also benefitted from this deal with the acquisition of a number of older Brazilian aircraft and tanks, helping to somewhat modernize their armed forces and weaponry. The treaty has been pledged as the start to a new era of Brazilian relations in Africa, complementing a similar naval base constructed on the eastern coast of the continent in Sudan acquired after that nation had won its independence from Kongo not long ago.
IRAN COMPLETES OIL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. Basra, Iran. The Iranian government was pleased to announce this year the completion of a multi-year program to expand and develop their national petroleum supply. The program has including the opening of a number of new wells, all owned by the monarchy, and expanding existing refinery facilities to increase production of refined goods. The production has been increased exponentially, and the program can be declared a success as global oil consumption continues to climb, even in the economic recession. The program has also help supplant Venezuela and Colombia, who have been faltering in their own refining and production. Iran has easily surpassed the quality and scale of those two nations, and is quickly edging them out of the international marketplace, though they still face stiff competition from places like Aztlan and Florida.
MALI GAINS ITS FREEDOM. Bamako, Mali. In the latest success for decolonization, the nation of Mali has forced the Imperial Scandinavians in Haraldsholm to recognize their independence. After years of indecisive conflict in the nation, the government in Kongo has agreed to grant freedom to the Malian people. The new treaty has allowed for the peaceful withdrawal of all of the armies of the League of the Three Emperors before the occupation of still imperial held provinces. The treaty has assured the independence, but at the same time, binds Mali not to allow the military presence of any other state within its borders. The treaty expressly forbids the construction of any other military bases or arrival of other states in the area. It has also placed restrictions upon the arms trade, allowing Mali to only buy munitions from Kongo and its allies. Faced with their own base of support and a tough war, Mali was forced to stomach these provisions, and their success has helped contribute to a growing rise of instability throughout neighboring imperial possessions. (-1 Stability for any colony neighboring Mali)
CONSOLIDATION IN BENIN. Lokoja, Benin. With the success of achieving a recognized independence from the global community as a whole, General Emile Dawon has begun focusing on consolidating his power base and military. This has included the establishment of an internal intelligence network, as well as building loyalty among the main military forces of the young nation. The primary reform has been the creation of a standard system of pay for the soldiers of Benin, which they did not have before. This key step has allowed for the creation of true regulars and the end of the old militia system in Benin, and has actually been fully embraced and supported among the other military leaders of Benin. They stand in full step behind General Dawon, aiding him to the best of their ability in forging a true nation out of the disparate peoples in Benin. Military forces have also assisted in the construction of rudimentary housing for the large refugee population of the capital of Lokoja, as the Red Crescent has also provided money and support for the measure. Dawon has begun to secure true popularity among the masses, further improving his regime and governments stability. (+1 Stability)
END OF THE CHOKWE-OVAMBO WAR. Velamanville, Ovamboland. The brutal two year war between the Ovambo and Chokwe has come to an end, with the complete defeat of the proletarist government and their armies. The proletarists of the Ovambo were incapable of matching the same size and scale of the Chokwe armies, and have been forced to surrender with the collapse of the front lines. The collapse came early in the year after the larger Chokwe force launched a frenzy attack upon all points along the border. The attacks broke through in numerous places, and within a few years, the Chokwe forces were entering Velamanville, and ending local rule. Syndic Amadi Beloyi and his cohorts have mostly fled to Scandinavia, leaving only a token group of leaders to surrender to their enemies. Nehale Nelumbo, a military leader who had been captured early by the Chokwe, has been put in charge of the Ovambo nation. He has stated that he will prevent the succumbing of the nation to proletarist wiles and deceit once more. The new treaty between the two has also ceded the northern provinces to the Chokwe, granting them a larger territory and control, looming over the southern state. Lastly, the new treaty has allowed Chokwe goods to go through on Ovambo infrastructure with no tariffs, inspections, or taxation, being protected by Chokwe soldiers. It is clear that a new order has been established with the Chokwe as the dominant power in the region.
Casualty Lists
Chokweland: 4 Conscript Brigades, 1 MB1930 Armored Brigade
Ovamboland: 2 Conscript Brigades, 1 Infantry Brigade, 1 Equality-type Armored Brigade
PORT SUDAN RAILWAY COMPLETED. Port Sudan, Sudan. The Brazilian naval base obtained from Sudan at the end of the war of independence against Kongo has been long promised a railroad coming from the center of the nation. This supply line would help feed and clothe the Brazilian personnel stationed at the installation and build trade and relations between the two nations. Unfortunately, the outbreak of the war against Sardinia over Tunis diminished the resources available for the construction of the railway. This delayed the project by a number of years, and only now have the Sudanese completed this new railroad. According to some it seems to have come a couple years too late, as the Brazilian post is fairly miniscule and irrelevant. There exist other concerns that the obtaining of a base in Lagos may further remove the need for the ties with Sudan, and some are concerned that the Sultan has missed a chance.