NationStates Jolt Archive

Brief Background on the Commonwealth

Since independence was granted from the European powers, the nations of western Africa have borne the burden of their colonial past silently. Environmental degradation stemming from centuries of exploitative practices forced the people into ever shrinking parcels of productive land. Bloody conflicts erupted from competition over limited natural resources, disrupting the economy and displacing millions of individuals from their homes. With no one to tend the earth, the fragile topsoil blew away during increasingly common dust storms that heralded expansion of the sprawling Sahara. Violence fed catastrophe, disasters caused violence, feeding an endless cycle while the rest of the world stood passively.

West Africa would have been condemned to continue this fate had it not been for one man. Maa'si Yubaru, president of Nigeria, realized that the fates of all west African nations were inextricably tied. His own nation, with its rich deposits of oil and natural gas, could fuel the heavy industry of the Ivory Coast. The agricultural bounties of Niger, watered by the river of the same name, had the potential to become the region's breadbasket. But without commercial and political ties, these visions could never come to fruition.

Thus, in the early years of the twenty-first century, Yubaru invited Nigeria's neighbors to an international conference held in the capital of Abuja. Five nations heeded his call; representatives arrived from Niger, Burkina Faso, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, and Benin. Out of this conference came the Agreement of Mutual Association (AMA). Affirming Yubaru's vision of a united west Africa, these six nations combined politically to create the new Commonwealth of West African States (CWAS), with a capital at Lagos.

Under the leadership of Maa'si Yubaru, CWAS experienced record economic growth. Currency was standardized, and the government stimulated private investment by sanctioning a series of mass public works that employed hundreds of thousands of workers to construct a road and rail network linking the region. Yubaru initially nationalized many industries, and lured educated African nationals back to their homelands with financial incentives to work in these sectors. Once the economy was firmly in line with government policies, based on a belief that native Africans should profit first from their resources, he allowed foreign corporations to return.

In addition, the military was modernized and expanded. The United Armed Forces (UAF) would play an instrumental role in ultimately achieving Yubaru's goal: integration of all west Africa. Whereas before none of the member-states had a navy, under the supervision of Defense Minister Bangisa M'fso, the Commonwealth acquired state-of-the-art carriers, battleships, and destroyers. A great naval base was established at Grand-Bassam, Ivory Coast. Armaments were standardized across the United Army, with new technologies now incorporated into the military.

-----

The first barrier to a united west Africa arose in the form of the small country of Togo. It's dictator-president, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, stubbornly clung to power and refused to cooperate with CWAS. Yet with Togo's strategic position between CWAS members Ghana and Benin, the nation could not be ignored by Yubaru. When Gnassingbé refused an offer to negotiate, the UAF moved in. Elements of the 4th Fleet shelled Togolese military positions in Lomé and Kpémé. Aircraft launched precision strikes on radar installations and airfields. A few days later, UAF marines landed, and after several brief skirmishes with local security forces, took control of the capital.

-----

Official Communiqué
The Foreign Ministry

Effective immediately, the Commonwealth of West African States has taken control of the nation of Togo. We have deposed a brutal dictator, Faure Gnassingbé, and liberated the Togolese people from tyranny and oppression. From this day forth, the Togolese will have the opportunity to partake in the economic and political success of CWAS.

Sotu Idoumya
Minister of Foreign Affairs

[OOC: EFJ nations, feel free to RP the resistance, make condemnations, or donate aid.]

Lomé, CWAS-controlled Togo

All was quiet in the former capital of Togo as UAF marines completed anti-government operations. But just yesterday, the broad avenues of downtown Lomé had echoed spurts of gunfire as street-by-street battles threatened to engulf the area in violence. Brief but fierce encounters between CWAS forces and armed fighters loyal to Faure Gnassingbé had flared in the neighborhood of Ablogamé. Air support was called in, and the resulting sortie by a group of 'Sadon' gunships quelled the rebellion and threw the militias into retreat.

A curfew was in effect during the evening, as marines go door to door in a pre-emptive attempt to halt the insurgency movement by confiscating weapons caches. Several fortified airstrips were under construction on the outskirts of the city, as UAF civil engineers toiled to quickly complete their assignment under the glare of area lights. Humanitarian aid was already arriving from the CWAS fleet offshore, to be stored in the undamaged waterfront warehouses and distributed later on.

Already, the UAF was preparing to advance northward in pursuit of former president Gnassingbé. Armored units, field artillery, and tracked transports had arrived in convoys from Benin and Ghana, ready to follow the thousands of additional reinforcements that had already been deployed from the 4th Fleet. Overwhelming air supremacy over northern Togo also guaranteed close support for the campaign to secure the rest of the nation.

The UAF was ready, and merely waited for dawn.

Shakal Intelligence Agency

Goebells read the report as it came in from Shakal sources in North Africa. The report was very general, but it basically detailed how forces under a foreign power most likely Granzi, were invading Togo. The Empress would want to know about this, it provided an oppurtunity for the nuisance of Tunisia to be taken from the Earth.

Mauratali, in a unique display of will and force, makes seveal statements of 'war is not peace', 'colonialism should only be a European trait', and 'a dictatorship by someone who isn't a dictator is still a dictatorship.' All relativly agressive statements from a country that prides itself on being content to concentrate inward.

Von Braun, the main spokesman for the Government (GMT) makes several suggestions to several arms producers like Defense 'N Things (DTH) and Weaponary Incoporated (WID) to start mobilizing a workforce to be able to produce a large quantity of goods should war actually break out.

Those memos and discussion, between Mauratali and DTH/WID, are captured with great delight by Nouakchott Publications (NOUP), who unil recently was having quite a slow news week.

Brom Heldfast, Vice Monarch

To CWAS,

Your...blatant, yet understandable, imperialism into Togo is slightly unsettling. We hold possessions in West Africa too, and so, as you said, the "integration" of Togo into your Empire...well, when will it stop? I understand that peace and prosperity is what you may or may not be looking for, but I have concern for our possessions in West and North Africa. We will be thus sending a few ships to the area - not to interfere, but to simply watch over your integration, to simply make sure it is humaniatarian - I'm sure we can both agree that a humanitarian invasion is looked upon much more favorably than an unhuminatarian one. I say again - my ships will not do anything to your forces or that of Togo unless fired upon. To keep them settled, I will be occupying an island close to the area. Again, this is to provide comfort for us of the going-on's in Africa.

Otherwise, I, as a fellow nation, am giving you the "OK" sign for the invasion. You may soon learn, that other nations are not so forgiving.

The World Empire of Futuris

Mobilization Orders

To Rear Admiral Dogey,

Assemble a force of 1 Ticonderoga-class Cruiser, 1 Type 23 Frigate, and 1 Spruance-class Destroyer. Send to locations of Sao Tome and Principe as soon as possible.

Royal Navy

Official Communiqué
The Foreign Ministry

TO: Brom Heldfast, Vice Monarch
RE: Integration of Togo

The actions of the Commonwealth of West African States can hardly be called imperialism. In contrast to the European powers who have despoiled west Africa in the recent past, CWAS troops are liberating the nation of Togo from the holds of a dictator that has gone nothing for the common people but instead enriches himself from ill-gained predations on his own country. Perhaps you have not noticed the great social and economic gains the six member-states of CWAS have achieved? Once Togo has been fully absorbed as a political entity, the Togolese people will able to enjoy the same benefits as other citizens of the new west Africa.

In response to your inquiry, I must be frank. We do not see Morocco and Algeria has having the same cultural and historical background as other west African states. My people have suffered much more at the hands of true European imperialism. Therefore, the Commonwealth has no current plans to expand north of the Sahara. Your naval presence in the area will be tolerated for the moment, so that the world may know the Togolese are being well-treated in this most justified conflict.

Sotu Idoumya
Minister of Foreign Affairs

SIC ENCRYPTED MESSAGE

To the 'Esteemed' (lol) leader of Togo

The Schroeder Corporation would like to offer you, your advisors and your families refuge in the Territories. We have a reputation of providing shelter and exile for deposed of leaders and allow a safe place for you to plan either a retake of your country or a new life. We have mercenary and weapon distributing services available for purchase if you have the money, but otherwise, there could be a more, how should I say it, lucrative approach to the issue. It could be possible for the Corporation to buy your nation, basically turning you into a protectorate and client state of us without losing your sovereignty. The Commonwealth might have the sense not to continue with their annexation with a modern force being the protectors of your lands, and soon pull out. We await your response.

-Armon Spee, CEO

Official Communiqué
The Foreign Ministry

TO: Brom Heldfast, Vice Monarch
RE: Occupation of African Islands

Do not invade any location south of the Sahara. The Commonwealth will see such an action as a direct threat to its national interests and will respond with force.

Sotu Idoumya
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Brom Heldfast, Vice Monarch

To CWAS,

European colonialism, you call it. Well, to be frank with you, the WEF never participated in colonizing Africa past the borders we have already set up. And I call it "imperialism" simply because it is hard in today's world to tell the difference from a person's good and bad intentions - Togo will be a proof of yours.

As for your invasion communique...I assume you mean no invading south of the Sahara on the African mainland, correct? That I would have to agree upon - as we do not see any interest in those particular lands anyways. That would indeed be threatening your peace, even if no official war was declared.

The World Empire of Futuris

To CWAS,

Your blatant acts of Imperialism are acts that cannot go unpunished by the international community; however Carloginias shall remain neutral in the conflict. We forwarn you that any invasions South of the Sahara (Your sphere of influence) will be treated as diplomatically hostile, and will result as a worsening in relations between Carloginias and the Commonwealth.

President of Carloginias,

James Harselav.

OOC: Is anyone playing as Togo? I need an answer to my offer...

Official Communiqué
The Foreign Ministry

TO: Brom Heldfast, Vice Monarch
RE: Occupation of African Islands

No, we mean all of Africa south of the Sahara. Stay out of our sphere of influence, and you need not ever worry about CWAS interference in North Africa and Europe.

The reformed Togo will be nothing like the poverty-wracked, militaristic nation of the past. It will stand as a proud and potent symbol of the benefits that the Commonwealth can offer other west African nations.

Sotu Idoumya
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Official Communiqué
The Foreign Ministry

TO: James Harselav, President of Carloginias
RE: Integration of Togo

Your claims are based on such falsities as to be laughable in their content. If the Carloginias national intelligence bureau had done their research, they would have discovered that the Togolese have benefited tremendously from the Commonwealth, and that the purpose for CWAS troops is to stabilize and incorporate that nation into a united west Africa.

Sotu Idoumya
Minister of Foreign Affairs

In a sudden reversal Mauratali congradulates the West African Commonwealth on its forward thinking, the ousting of 'that dictator fellow' and for inspiring a little harmony is a area largely seen as a area of violence, instability and death.

Mauratali's Embassy also drops some hints about a Pan-Africa coalition that will, among other things, foster and continue African independence from Europe.

Official Communiqué
The Foreign Ministry

TO: Government of Mauratali
RE: Pan-Africa Coalition

The Commonwealth is very open to the creation of a Pan-African coalition. In our view, democratic and enlightened governments should band together in achieving a greater good. Perhaps an alliance is in order? The Commonwealth would agree to host a conference in the capital of Lagos.

Sotu Idoumya
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Official Communiqué
The Foreign Ministry

TO: Government of Mauratali
RE: Pan-Africa Coalition

The Commonwealth is very open to the creation of a Pan-African coalition. In our view, democratic and enlightened governments should band together in achieving a greater good. Perhaps an alliance is in order? The Commonwealth would agree to host a conference in the capital of Lagos.

Sotu Idoumya
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Email Message, Sent Via-Hotmail

To: The Commonwealth of West African Nation
Re: Re: Pan-African Coalition

Sounds good, of course, to us, the first order of business is to get rid of those funny tariffs some countries insist on holding onto; I do not know your current economic policy but the demolition of those counter-productive hooligans will undoubtedly garner much support in the Mauratali marketplace. The life and soul of the country.

An alliance sounds rather good, especially in face of this continued European idiocy occurring to Allah's most devote in Tunis.

As for a conference, I suggest we invite those silent fellows from Kopparberg, those Congo chums, and even those good capitalists from The Territory, even if they remind too much of colonialism. Lagos sounds good, Von Braun is always eager to see the rest of Africa, get away from the office, and has essentially a vacation while accomplishing leaps and strides with a friendly government.

Official Communiqué
The Foreign Ministry

TO: Government of Mauratali
RE: Pan-Africa Coalition

I am heartened to find at least one reliable ally in the Commonwealth's quest for a united Africa. The President shares your concern about continued European aggression in Tunisia. If we are not careful, then the age of colonialism may return in this new insidious guise. All African nations shall be invited to the Lagos Conference, in the hopes of forging a new and potent alliance.

As for tariffs, the Commonwealth has none. We believe in free markets, and subsequently removed any such restrictions in the time after reconstruction of our collective economies was complete.

Sotu Idoumya
Minister of Foreign Affairs

[OOC: I'll make the conference thread maybe today, but most likely tomorrow.]

OOC: Sounds good, I'll be there to help hammer out the details.

Excerpt from the Commonwealth Broadcasting Network

"In response to current tensions in Africa involving the Azores, Tunisia, and Togo, the Commonwealth Navy has been placed on high alert. No foreign military vessels will be allowed into CWAS waters. The president, Maa'si Yubaru, has authorized the mobilization of the United Armed Forces, pledging that 'Africa will never again be under the thumb of European powers.'"

[OOC: Anyone going to RP Togo? Or should I just consider it mine?]

OOC: I think it's yours.

OOC: No, someone needs to RP it.

[OOC: Bah, easy for you to say. Fine, someone please RP Togo.]

To: The Commonwealth of West African Nation
From: The Republic of Togo

Please do not harm us, we surrender.

OOC: I know it's piss poor, but I don't care as it's 12:04

CWAS-controlled Togo

Following the statement of surrender, Commonwealth troops immediately switched from armed combat to peacekeeper roles. Groups of UAF Marines moved in unheld territory and began disarming native militia members. Those that resisted were detained, or if they fired upon Commonwealth forces, shot. The most important thing was that the country not lapse into terror and anarchy.

Humanitarian aid currently in warehouse was distributed to the needy, and government-funded medical teams spread throughout the nation looking to care for the sick. Within a few days, the serious business of integrating Togo politically and economically into the Commonwealth would begin.

Official Communiqué
The Foreign Ministry

I applaud the decision of the Togolese military to surrender to Commonwealth forces. Soon the entire world will see the benefits that integration will bring to the Togolese people.

Sotu Idoumya
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Our offer to the Togolese stands. (See front page, I think)