NationStates Jolt Archive

Eye on the Commonwealth!
This week, the African News Network reviews the African Commonwealth, without a doubt one of the most influental nations on the continent. We start out with the relatively young nation's history and ascent to a powerful economy and frightening military capability. The democratic republic of Congo, once plagued by civil war and the depredations of dictator Joseph Kabila, suffered a collapse of government - This was a ripe opportunity for then-general and much respected tribal leader Nwabudike James to seize power. His military dominance and reknowned negotiating skills garnered him a settlement of peace with Rwandan and local rebels, laying the ground for re-industrialization of the ravaged nation. While skilled planning and usage of the many deposits of gold, gems, cobalt, cobber and other valuable resources has made the national economy one of the strongest in the region; many complain that the nation is just as opressive under James as it was under Kabila - Not for long, that is, as the one-party dictator's secret police, military and paramilitary cracks down on all dissenters. Critics viewed a recent opening for civil rights(citizens are now allowed to, among other things, buy alcohol, gather in large groups in public and own stock) as a possibility that political liberties would follow. Unfortunately, control is as strict as ever. Dissent is illegal, and the Secular party(devoted to keeping James in power) brooks no political opposition. While these are sad news for the many political dissidents in the nation, one must admire the aging James' achievements. Without resorting to military force, he has annexed several other african nations(anxious for economy progress, the unstable governments of nearby Congo and Tanzania agreed to become parts of James' commonwealth in order to prosper), and created a powerful economy.

http://www.tidos.dk/images/Commonwealthmap.jpg

Nwabudike is old now, and there is much speculation to what will follow. The secular party has it's own candidate(James' younger brother), but all eyes currently rest on General Ndelebe, supreme commander of Republican forces. It is not certain wether the powerful general will seize power, but many other forces are stirring on a local level, and the most pessimistic even foresee civil war in the large Commonwealth. If this is to happen, the worst can be expected. The Commonwealth military number over 9 million servicemen, and under Ndelebe's expansion, a powerful navy, airforce and nuclear capability are among the things gained. A civil war may yet lay waste to the barren land.

Current affairs
Nwabudike James has committed much of his production into IRBM/ICBM production, as well as political and material aid to the nigh-isolated hardline(sham) communist state of Dra-Pol - currently locked in the middle of a brutal stalemate war against a coalition of technologically superior christian fundamentalist nations. This has taken up much of agricultural surplus(Dra-pol is in critical need of food and malnutrition is rampant) as well as arms manufacturing supplies. Some in the military criticize these gifts, as Dra-Pol has yet to repay the grants of food, medicine, firearms and ammonition - But they are kept silent. While a lot in the international community has exprest fear that the powerful Commonwealth military would get involved directly in the war, it has yet to happen, and James himself hasn't yet used the military in conflicts outside Africa.


James is old, now, and his health is ailing. This is the general consensus, despite the dictators many public appearance and speeches. Among contenders to the "throne" are, as mentioned, General Ndelebe, but the sentiment of democratic resistance runs deep and many citizens silently wish for honest elections. Another problem are the tribes in former Tanzania and nations bordering the commonwealth, who feel fiercely independent and might pose troubles when James resigns. Finally, socialism is rapidly winning support in the rural communities and suburbs around the borderlands. Analysts suspect a larger organization there, possibly even revolutionary rebel forces preparing for the fall of James.

That was all from ANN's monthly documentary "Eye on the Commonwealth". Good evening, I'm Mma D'jango.

[07-12-03]: Terrible news! The Commonwealth is wracked by demonstrations, as people revolt against the authoritarian regime. The secular party could fall, and revolution is within the bounds of possibility. Some fiction and developments can be found here! (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=101342)
[21-12-03]: Tensions uncontrollable! While assistance from foreign nations have crushed most of the rebel resistance and their foreign communist sponsors, new problems have risen. Some of the Commonwealth's sometime allies with pretensions of empire wishes to annex Commonwealth, Lusakan land! New wars loom on the horizon, and there is no telling what will happen next.
[05-01-04]: Nwabudike retires, now incurably ill and unable to run his nation through the Secular Party. The Party appoints General Ndelebe as nominal leader until the uncontrollably rising diplomatic tension with hostile nations around the globe has calmed down. More information as it develops, here! (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=111666&highlight=)


[OOC: Here it is, a small factbook of sorts on the nation. Important news will go up here, as will my military organization and capability when I can get around to compiling it. It's meant to be what other nations know about the Commonwealth, so any comments, pleas, bargains and agressive roleplay are welcome in this thread!]

"General Ragger, come in here please," Riyth was sitting in his large oak desk, reading over the current reports and tossing aside satellite imagery. "Bill, the Commonwealth's annexed how many nations?"

"Several, sir. The world seems to be taking a nonaggressive stance, maybe not even noticing this expansive regime."

"Well, then, I think it is up to us to stop this policy of appeasement. These pictures also show far reaching missile launchers, everyone else may be in danger and not even know it."

"Yes, sir, unfortunatly, we have no one on the ground in that country."

"Then get someone on the ground, I'm dispatching an ambassador right away, do whatever you need."

"Right away, Premier."

***********

Inbound to the Commonwealth, with an ETA of a couple hours, was Ambassador Stevens flying aboard a modified 747. Escorting the flight were two F-62Cs, but that was only for defense. The offensive part of the flight was not to be seen, and it was flying at 50 feet above the sea. One Pave Low III - loaded out with 45 men of the 17th SOG - was flanked by two Ah-6 Little Birds. The SOG had never failed on a mission, and this one was just intelligence gathering....for now.

[Tagged for surveillance by the Banat ;) ]

~Stevens receive a considerable escort of 6 F-16 and 2 F15-E jets to ensure safe passage to the Kinshasa National Airport, where he informed that the Secular Party is honored to host him, and that General Ndelebe will greet him in person to know on what business he comes.~

OOC:

Dra-Pol>> I expected no less 8)

President Igomo, obsessed above all else with African self sufficiency and unity is concerned by rumour of the illness besetting the leader of his nation's neighbour.
Lusaka wishes him well.. but does it on the quiet, so as to avoid embarrasing him infront of his people.

(ooc:I wouldn't normally care to mention it, but as we're in the same region it seems at least worth raising.. Lusaka lies on the east coast, its north western border ending half way up Lake Tanganyika. On Lusaka's map, the south east corner of the Commonwealth is territory of the United African Republic, and includes the city of Mbala. (On your map the word "Tanganyika" is roughly our nothern border, which is quite straight out to the coast, and our western border is just a few miles west of the stretch of river below the lake. If you like, we can just say that this NS Africa is a little different to the real one, giving us both room to fit side by side without incident, or we can have a border dispute. I'm game for either, as long as it's civil ooc :) )

[OOC: Here is what other nations, through spying or enquiry, would be able to learn about the Commonwealth military. I know it isn't based much at all on the RL Congolese military, but I felt like going creative.]


The Republican Army of the Commonwealth(RAC)
Founded on the numerous irregular and poorly armed rebel and government troops present in Kabila's Congo, the RAC is now one of the largest and modern armies in Central/Southern Africa. Numbering 420.000 active soldiers not counting the reserves and administration, the RAC follows a modified American model of organization, being made up of 4 Republican Corps of 20.000 men, divided again into regiments of 4000 men or batallions of 200 troops. Under the army is the specialist M'Gharne, 20.000 men in various specialized roles, and also the artillery and armor. The main battle tank employed is the Lusakan L2, also known as the Oliphant. This relatively powerful track is complimented by a large contigent of soviet T-74 refitted with new sights and communications, and a smaller group of the advanced Kotterdam heavy assault tank the MBT-3 Werewolf. Artillery is mainly towed or tracked 98mm domestic “Earthshaker” cannons and new ADI 155m cannons. The infantry equipment varies highly depending on corps and force, but most soldiers carry modern-era weapons and gear. The main rifles used are Heckler and Koch G36 assault rifle and the newest AK variant, the AK-101. Body armor is either Ranger MK2 kevlar or Interceptor-III body armor. All infantry divisions are Anti-tank and anti-air capable, most using M3 84mm Recoilless ATW/HEDP launchers and the FIM92 “Stinger”, although several detachments have the powerful M98A1 Javelin ATW rocket and the support of Tunguska anti-air platforms. The special forces have not seen much action, but are reputedly highly trained and equipped by the Manus Nigra; the most feared branch of the government, and whispered of as the “secret police” by those who dare.

The Republican Commonwealth's Air Force(RCAF)
Having undergone a serious overhaul, the RCAF is almost entirely composed of planes, radar and SAM systems purchased or made after the collapse of Congo's government. 949.470 air wing troopers serve in the force, either as pilots, mechanics, administrators, labourers or manners of the country's extensive network of radar silos, AA guns and SAM sites. Most of the force is relatively modern, with F15E and modified F16 air-superiority craft serving alongside Mig-29 jets and Su-34 fighter/bombers. CAS/recon is supplied by OV-10D “Broncos” and Yak-44E AWACS. The curious blend of Soviet and US aircraft are due to sporadic purchase by Ndelebe and other RCAF generals. The lowest-priced serviceable craft were bought, along with mint craft just out of the factory; sold on discount. The only domestically produced plane serving in the RCAF is the ADI-AV-50 Heavy aviation fuel platform jet, a huge refueling craft capable of supplying several jets with fresh tanks in mid-flight(It is mostly used to transport large quantities of fuel to air bases, however.).

The Commonwealth Naval Defense(CND)
The CND's name is also a relic from pre-revolution Belgian Congo, when there was only a scattering of coastal cruisers and submarines prowling the coast for drug smugglers and gun runners. The 1st Navy Coast Guard is still composed of outdated
vessels, all of domestic manufacture; namely the ADN-2 “Hornet” Cruiser gunships and the ADN-12 “Raven” submarines. Both are based on early german designs, and would be useless in preventing any sort of attack on the Commonwealth coastline. Only about five kilometers of the African westcoast belong to the Commonwealth, but other nations on the continent have been generous in allowing CND craft to patrol for mutual protection. In return, Ebony Coast and Liberian boats also patrol the Commonwealth's waters. As a new addition under General Ndelebe are the 1st and 2nd Commonwealth War Fleets. Only to enter active duty if the Commonwealth comes under attack or in the unlikely event of intercontinental war, they are under relaxed maintenance, with most sailors on shore. Each fleet is led by a Trireme-class nuclear aircraft carrier, with 5 Brittanica-class AEGIS battle cruisers and 5 Isle-class landing craft aside. All ships are about the newest naval battleship available to the Republic, and with all hands and aircraft aboard, they are a force to be reckoned with. Aboard carriers are mainly F-14 Tomcats, F-15F fighters, ADI-AVI30 VTOL Submarine hunters and a few KA-53 helicopter gunships and carrier-compatible Yak-44E AWACS.

~Stevens receive a considerable escort of 6 F-16 and 2 F15-E jets to ensure safe passage to the Kinshasa National Airport, where he informed that the Secular Party is honored to host him, and that General Ndelebe will greet him in person to know on what business he comes.~

OOC:

Dra-Pol>> I expected no less 8)

The massive plane comes down with only a small bump and begins to taxi off of the runway and into the reception area. The ambassador and his security detail stepped off the plane and immediatly were entranced with the humid air surrounding them, and also the blistering heat from the sun that seemed close than in Nankin. Joe Stevens took a final survey of the landing area and then stepped down towards the waiting Secular Party member. For this mission, his orders had been clear: stall and asses their power.

****************

The Pave Low skirted above the water as the rotor wash kicked up the water. It was night now, the ambassador having been recieved a couple hours before, and the small phalanx of rotary aircraft were almost to their destination.

"We are going feet-dry in 3, people. Everyone get ready," the pilot of the massive helicopter chirped over the intercom. 38 successful missions, this would hopefully increase that number. The Little Birds were there only present for defense of the helicopter, leaving them with the men would be too dangerous. There, just over this mountain..down in the valley.

The chopper banked down, pulling up sharply as the pilot pulled back on the collective. The helicopter flared a scant 3 feet above the ground as teh rear hatch popped out and the 45 men of the 17th SOG popped out and fell prone in a circle of defense around the helicopter. The two mini-gunners on their respective sides of the helicopter scanned the treeline, looking for anything - but nothing was found as the last of the men departed and the helicopter immediatly pulled back up and away. The Ah-6s circled once more and then followed after the big bird, and now the SOG was alone.

In an hour the helicopters would land back upon their docks on the 10 HCVs that were just now coming into formation hundreds of miles off the coast of the Commonwealth. Nothing to overtly show their presence, just...roaming...inside of cruise missile range.

[factbook entry will be here once I have compiled it.]

Constitution of the African Commonwealth
(excerpt of the fundamental first paragraphs, contact the Commonwealth authorities for an entire transcript.)

§1. This is the constitution of the African Commonwealth, as understood by the former sovereign territories of the Democratic Republic of Belgian Congo, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania and the former foreign areas of Moanda(Gabon), San Salvador do Congo(Angolan) and Kazanga(Lusakan). It is laid down in this year of 2001 before God, tribesman and every citizen in the Democratic Republic of the African Commonwealth.

§2. The Democratic Republic shall follow the Georgian system, of one president serving for 5 years upon being elected by the Commonwealth's citizens in a basis-democratic election.

§3. The holy roman catholic church is the religion of state, as we take our guidance from the son of God and our savior the holy Jesus Christ.

§3.2. There is to be freedom for santeríans, nestorians, vodoun, moslems and all other faiths in the Commonwealth to practice and build places of worship, under the auspices of their belief and to the extent that they do not abandon the constitution or break Commonwealth law.

§4 This Constitution must not be changed without the consent of two governments and the citizenry of the Commonwealth. One President and his party may suggest changes. Are they voted to pass, the government and parliament must dissolve immediately and another government chosen by the people. This government must vote upon the measures changed, and if they pass, the constitution is to be changed.

§5 All citizens, no matter their position in society, must pay a tithe to their government and church. Tax collectors and other excisemen are officers of the state, and those who impede or harm them outlaws.

§6 All citizens must enter session upon reaching 17 years of age; the trial that decides wether they are fit and healthy for military service. If they are, they must serve 3 years in the Republican Army, Commonwealth Naval Defense or Republican Commonwealth Air Force; and obey the Mshat codex of the Commonwealth armed branches. This will give them the discipline and responsibility needed to enter society as productive and righteous citizens; and also to defend their homeland in the terrible event of war.


Current Government Political platform

The Secular Party for the Commonwealth's Progress is currently in charge. It has held power for more than 20 years, despite the constitutional paragraph stating that a new government is elected every 5 years. Many accuse the Secular Party for outlawing the political freedoms the populace was promised upon Nwabudike James' ascent to power. Below are summarized versions of the various policies the Secular Party adheres to, at least in theory if not practice.

Basic values and policy

Sensibility and progress:

Freedom and Progress anew! The Secular Party has faith in the individual citizen. We wish the individual person to create his own life and own fortune. Progress to achieve new goals in society and personal happiness for the average citizen, while not limiting or denying others' ability to do so.

African commerce is daily faced with still more skilled and dangerous competitors from Europe, Asia, USA and other parts of the globe. The competitors win and our society loses when when one in other countries lower taxes and tariffs, strengthen corporative access to new technological knowledge and research on high levels as well as secures a still stronger educational system!

Meanwhile we risk losing still more human resources on the floor in our own society. If we can not hold more people in employment, and get more people out of passive welfare, it will be very hard to create growth and thereby strengthen the foundation the welfare state of tomorrow must be built on. If the public sector grows with undiminished strength, the result will be, in the end, increased taxes and less welfare.

However, we don't wish to change everything and at any price. We don't believe in political patent solutions. Neither do we believe that political initiatives can secure happiness or a good life for all men of the Commonwealth. But it IS a political task to secure that the individual has as good a framework as possible to mould his or her own life.

To preserve and improve our society, we must change it. It demands the will to renewal in the citizen, in the private commercial life and in the public sector. But the renewal process must happen with a foundation in a model of society where the respect for the personal freedom and the presonal responsibility is strengthened - and in several areas regained.

In this way, secular conservatism secures the necessary balance between individual and state, between the singular citizen's freedom, and the common duty to one's contemporaries and the future itself.

(Much more to come!)