This moment was a culmination of years of hard fighting, campaigning and reform within the Katanga Republic. Against all odds he had broken free of his old warlord, forged his own path, and brought his country to modernity. Even now, corrupt officials of the old regime were still being tried and jailed for their crimes against the Katangan people. He had been president for only three years but the weight of this next decision was downright crushing compared to everything else he had done.
Even now, Jean could picture the steamroller of history grinding its way towards him. The news broadcasts, international responses and the repercussions to his people. Would they have to bear the responsibility for his choice? Was it a choice that was his to make? His thoughts melted away when he remembered the cobalt mines, the miserable faces shepherded by armed overseers, all too ready to punish any lapse in performance.
“Mister President, it’s time.” one of the aides said, breaking Jean from his reverie as he stood up.
“Thank you, Daniel.” Jean replied, straightening out his suit jacket as he felt the warm cross around his neck soothe him. If God had chosen him to do this, he was not a man who could say no.
Jean made his way towards the doors, the chanting growing louder and more distinct as the distance closed. As the door opened to the stage, the noise from the crowd was ear-splitting. Everyone flew Katangan flags or waved their arms in jubilation at their President.
“KI-SIM-BA! KI-SIM-BA!” The crowd repeated as he took the last steps towards the podium. As he stepped up behind the simple wooden construct, he drew out a set of papers, placing them onto the podium’s top. The mass of people quietened themselves as Jean adjusted the mic, the sounds filtering through the speakers. Jean took one breath before beginning his speech.
“My brothers and sisters of Katanga, I come to you on Independence day not as some President, but as a fellow member of this great nation. Although we have all suffered for a long time, as Katangans we carry on and build ourselves stronger than before. These past years have been harder than ever, with the rule and overthrow of Joseph Kabongo, as well as the horrors of what we can do to each other as well as ourselves. But I come to you to tell you that with all of your efforts, we are stronger today than we were a mere five years ago!”
The crowd cheered, waving flags once more.
“However, we still have a long way to go. Even now we have brothers and sisters living in awful conditions and poverty, and until they are emancipated and allowed to live lives they see fit, I do not want to rest. Our country is rich, even more than many in the West, but that money gets sent overseas, and none of us will ever see it again. Foreign countries sell our land out from us but never invest in the people that give them that wealth. But, with everything we have worked towards, we now have a solution.”
The crowd let out a smaller cheer, anticipating what was to come next.
“As Katangans, we should own Katangan Cobalt. The world relies on us, yet it gives us no money. But I say no more! To that end, I am announcing a nationalization of all mining facilities within the country, with the purchasing of the mine sites to commence not six months from now. Given how little these companies seemingly make, it is well within our means to purchase such, and within a handful of years, professionally trained miners will do more for this country than these mining companies ever will. After that, Katangan Cobalt will be sold for the benefit of the Katangan people!”
An eruption of cheer and energy floored Jean. He was taken aback as the chanting began once more.
“KI-SIM-BA! KI-SIM-BA!”
“KI-SIM-BA! KI-SIM-BA!”
“My brothers and sisters! This independence day, celebrate the dawn of a new era of independence! One where we can greet the world as equals and have them treat us fairly!”
Jean gave a small bow as the crowd grew in intensity, making his exit as the chanting turned deafening. If nothing else, he knew his people supported him, and that was enough for him. The doors closed behind him as his staff clapped, Jean giving each aide a handshake as he made his way to the temporary office.
The cream-coloured hallways were all similar, but as the office neared he could see a middle-aged man outside of it. His hair was dark but beginning to show white strands as it combed over the right side of his face. Green eyes sat behind his black-rimmed glasses. He gave an inscrutable look at Jean as he seemed to come alive at the presence of the President.
“Ah, Mister President. Congratulations on your speech.” The man said, stretching out a hand. Jean took it cautiously, shaking twice as he tried to figure out the man.
“Thank you… do I know you?” Jean asked, causing the man to let out a smile.
“My apologies. My name is Konstantin Sokolov. May I talk to you for a short moment?” He asked, Jean opening the door for him and letting him into the relatively plain office.
It bore the same cream-coloured walls and white ceiling as the rest of the building, with cheap fluorescent lights casting everything in stark white. Two chairs sat opposite the main desk, with a Katanga flag behind it. The blue and green of the flag was a striking contrast, divided by an angled red and yellow stripe. Jean sat down, Sokolov following suit.
“What is it you wish to talk about, Mister Sokolov?” Jean asked, causing Sokolov to clasp his hands together.
“I wish to know what you will do from here, Mister President. I do have friends who know a lot, but no-one I know has been able to learn what the goal is.”
“It is simple, Mister Sokolov. I wish my country to be free and the people to get the wealth they deserve from their land. As an Ulyanian I am sure you understand this concept, given your nation’s breadth of oil and natural gas exports.” Jean explained.
Sokolov’s expression remained neutral for only a second, before he smiled.
“I see. You have a commendable vision for your country. However, I must ask… how do you intend to defend it?” Sokolov asked, to which Jean felt the hairs on the back of his neck.
“Is this a threat, Mister Sokolov?” Jean’s eyes narrowed, trying to sense this stranger’s intentions.
“Not at all. I find no fault with this, and indeed my intentions are the opposite. I wish to help you.”
Jean furrowed his brow.
“Help me how? And more importantly, why?”
“Both are simple questions to answer. I intend to give you information and advice on what to do. Time is limited, so you must make the most of what you have. I know you have received training from Lauzanne’s army, as well as courted Zhongua into more involvement. From here, pursue full membership into the League, and prepare your army.”
“Are you saying we will be attacked?”
“Yes. Jealous eyes watch the Katanga Republic, and they do not want her to have any form of meaningful independence, and now that their supply of cheap cobalt is threatened, they will take steps to return to the status quo. However, they cannot just walk into your front door like many nations can. It will be a war that Lauzanne is good at.” Sokolov explained.
“... You have failed to answer the ‘why’, Mister Sokolov.” Jean pressed.
“It’s little more than a petty old man ensuring that other petty old men suffer the largest inconvenience of their lives. I source my cobalt from the Oceanian Republic, and its expense is something that I do feel, both in a monetary and moral sense. If those that rely on dirt-cheap cobalt are forced to pay decent prices, then it warms my cold Ulyanian heart. In addition to that, I get to buy cobalt from you for cheaper than the Oceanians can supply. In my mind, you’re the perfect man for my little game of revenge.”
Jean was taken aback, blinking a few times before opening his mouth.
“You’re telling me all of this without reserve?”
“Knowing what I want and why I want it makes your job easier, which allows me to know exactly if you’re the right man for the job. I think you are, and thus I will support you. I’ll have my man in the Concern talk to you to discuss a deployment soon, and I do suggest getting onto those two friends.” Sokolov said, standing up once more.
“I see… How do I know I can trust you with this?”
“You can’t, but you know why you can’t trust me now. I’ve laid what I want on the table, and how you will achieve what I want. Should you fail, that will be that. If you don’t mind though, I must be going. I have a busy schedule.” Sokolov said, showing himself out as Jean sat in stunned silence.
After five minutes, he picked up his phone, dialing the number of his Minister of Foreign Affairs.
“Yes, Mister President?”
“Can you get me a meeting with the Lauzannean diplomat, Joseph?”
“I will see what I can do, Mister President." The MFA replied, before hanging up. Jean placed his receiver down before sighing.
It seems the struggle of the Katanga people has only just begun…
Aidan Kristofferson had a sip of his coffee, feeling invigorated as the hot beverage slid down his throat. He sat in his penthouse office with the skyline of New York behind him. Ahead of him was a series of screens, counting down the last 10 seconds to his daily 8AM meeting. As it hit zero, he double-tapped a tablet in front of him, bringing up all 9 video feeds of his Inner Circle.
“Good morning, my messengers. What news do you bring on this fine day?” Aidan began, tapping the top left image of a young smiling man with short brown hair.
“The Anglish have signed official recognition of the Celtic language into law. Lauzanne has had another interception of an Ulyanian bomber and there’s more instability within West Rus’.” The first man said, Aidan nodding as he mentally took notes.
“Another slow day in that decrepit place. Alright, what next?” Aidan asked, tapping the top middle icon, an Asian woman with the same pleasing smile on her face.
“Zhongua is reaching a roadblock with forming its Pacific Alliance, old mistrusts flaring up and what is seen as unfair terms. The Oceanian Republic has had another state-level Premier resign on corruption charges.” She replied.
Aidan rolled his eyes, causing all of them to slightly panic.
“Really, all this old boring news. I want something with impact, with real consequences!” He shouted, everyone recoiling on the screen save one.
“Um, Mister Kristofferson sir… I do have some news.” The timid redhead in the middlemost screen spoke up. Aidan shot his camera a glare, which she didn’t wilt under.
“This had better be good, or you’re fired.” Aidan stated.
“W-well… Sir, on the 30th of June… Katangan independence day, President Kisimba Ilunkamba has announced to the world that he will nationalize the mining industry.” She said, Aidan’s eye twitching.
“And none of you thought to tell me this until now?” He asked, with no-one replying. With a short breath, he leaned in with a sense of urgency.
“How long until this is fully enacted?” Aidan asked, the lady looking away from the camera for a second.
“January 2022.” She replied.
Aidan stood up, having another sip of his coffee as he walked into the open area between his desk and the screens.
“It would seem then, ladies and gentlemen… An opportunity has presented itself. Miss Fields, I want you to gather as much information as you can on the situation within the Katanga Republic. I want personal views. I want polls. I want E-ver-y-thing. You do that and I will make sure you get promoted.
“Y-yes sir!” She replied, quickly switching off her camera, no doubt in a hurry to get to work.
“As for the rest of you. Deliver me some more interesting news tomorrow, or consider it your video call to me telling me you resign.” Aidan ordered. All of the screens turned off save for the top left man, whose camera remained on. Aidan stared into the camera.
“You want me to fire you right now?” Aidan asked, the man shaking his head.
“L-lauzanne… Is also getting involved in Katanga. They sent some of their best soldiers to train their army, they’ve been there a while.” The man stammered out. Aidan raised an eyebrow to show interest, but it was clear to the man that Aidan’s knuckles had turned white.
“Is that so? This is excellent information. Get me more details.” Aidan said through gritted teeth, before the man turned off the camera.
After a moment of contemplation, he turned towards his desk, strolling over and pressing the intercom button.
“Miss Stratton, could you please get Mister Brown to come up here? There is an… Opportunity here” He asked into the mic.
“Y-yes sir. Right away sir.” She replied, the line going dead as he waited. Even as he stood there, he felt excited in a way he hadn’t since the Spring War.
“This is a rather fortunate turn of events...” Aidan talked to himself, finishing his cup as he stared out at New York. He remembered what Lauzanne had taken from him, and he had thought up all manner of ways to make that nation suffer.
After a couple of minutes, a nondescript middle-aged man entered the room. He was clad in a black business suit, and his brown eyes constantly checked around the room.
“Mister Brown, I have decided to engage your services once more for a mission of utmost importance. I trust your schedule is open for a while?” Aidan asked, the man nodding.
“For you I always keep my schedule open, Boss. What’s the job?”
“I always love how to the point you are, Mister Brown. There are two little pesky nations that I want to punish for frankly petty reasons, and you will be my agent on the ground.”
“Lauzanne is one of them, I take it.”
“Correct. The other is the Katanga Republic. They see fit to cut into the profits of me and my friends and make things a little too stale for my liking. I want you to contact your friends and see how many you can get on. Consider the slush fund yours to carry this out. Dig out that old failure before the President too, make sure he gets back on top and things continue as normal. Do that and you’ll have your own yacht with whatever girl you want.”
“Sure thing, Boss.”
“I love a good business deal. I’ll leave you to it.”
The Katanga Republic is a large Central African nation that is the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Characterized by its tropical rainforests and rich mineral wealth, the large nation has experienced political upheaval for much of its existence, in part due to the power these resources provide for anyone in control of it. However, with the political rise of the incumbent President Jean Kisimba Ilunkamba [SVRL File: P1DHINT/AF/KAR/JKISIMBA.BM2] the country has seen major growth and renewal, with a strong anti-corruption campaign as well as a legal framework to prevent authoritarian practices. With Katanga’s overtures towards joining the League of Free Nations, the LDF has deployed units to train Katanga’s military to a modern standard.
President Kisimba of the Katanga Republic.
It has become apparent that President Kisimba’s decision to nationalize the mining industry has not gone unnoticed among many in the international community, with several prominent business figures apparently taking action. As an up and coming LFN member, President Waffenschmidt has authorized the deployment of up to one BTG to Katanga to train and assist the Katangan military.
Although the Katanga Republic has started talks of joining the LFN, several other nations and groups have taken interest in obtaining favour with the country. None of which state they wish to supplant the talks taking place, however the situation could change should the LFN be seen as an unreliable or unfavourable partner.
Zhongua has taken a more general interest in African affairs, but Katanga represents a major step in their global goals. Through having an influence on half of the world’s Cobalt market, they can influence an outsized amount of pressure on foreign economies dependent on the metal. They have deployed a brigade’s worth of light and rapid response infantry. Although friendly with Zhongua, a common command framework and liaisons have not been established yet.
The United Nations maintains a division-sized unit within the country classified as MONUSKA. This unit is multinational and reactive in nature, although there are established liaisons within the group due to LDF training of Katangan soldiers. Their goals are simply to keep the region stable, with little geopolitical aim past that. They will be valuable to use as a security force in the region.
Expected opponents will primarily stem from the exiled former president, Joseph Kabongo. Although defeated in the Katanga Civil War that ended with Kisimba’s victory, Joseph Kabongo fled to the north of the country, currently believed to be residing somewhere inside the Central African Republic with the last remnants of his paramilitary forces. It seems likely that as a uniting figure for the other small-scale insurgencies coupled with strong mercenary support, Kabongo can be a danger to the stability of the new republic.
The Katangan armed forces currently consist of three branches, with an additional Republican Guard division for the direct protection of the President. Of the three branches, the Army receives the largest portion of personnel and funding. However, it is plagued by large amounts of corruption, factionalism within the older non-mixed units, poor discipline and training, and sub-standard maintenance of equipment.
Equipment-wise, the Katangan army is largely light infantry in composition, with towed artillery and a single armoured battalion backed by mechanized infantry. Most of the reforms carried out in the 2010’s have been reshaping infantry battalions into Rapid Reaction units, motorized and well-trained light infantry able to secure larger parts of the nation rather than foot-mobiles as the lead-up to more blended infantry brigades to eliminate factionalism within the Army.
The Katangan air force consists mainly of a handful of helicopters as well as some attack jets, supported by a pair of MiG-23 “Flogger” jets. The Katanga Republic only has two airbases located in the south, necessitating the development of existing airfields in the north, or the employment of civilian airstrips with the creation of additional facilities in order to support fixed-wing and rotary-wing deployments.
Another factor to consider is terrain, roads, size and rail capacity. Most of the country is swampy or prone to monsoon, with large open plains areas north and south of the main tropical rainforest area. Wide open spaces with relatively flat land would suit mechanized and cavalry units. Given the size of the country and distance from suitable airstrips to the expected conflict zone coupled with poor bridge infrastructure and lack of paved roads, tracked vehicles are NOT RECOMMENDED. Rail transport is extremely limited, with only two train lines in non-standard 1067 mm gauge. It is likely a lighter motorized force or wheeled mechanized units, supported by helicopters and various rotary wing assets are ideal for the conditions.
Larger riverine areas coupled with relatively deep floors of the rivers means that shallow-draft gunboats, riverine assault craft and other small naval vessels are likely to see success.
Welcome to the OOC OP of this new thread. Although this has had a lot of set-up beforehand, if you have read this far: Thank you for giving me your time.
This is the first thread in a new conceptual storyline I am starting on. It doesn’t have a set name yet, but that is likely to change as the idea gets refined.
My current vision of this thread is a relatively low-intensity but overall rather complex conflict, in which factions seek to tear down the Katanga Republic not for what it is, but for what it could do both to African politics and the global economy. However, the means in which this can be done is mainly limited to deniable assets, such as mercenaries sponsored by the globally-recognised Global Security Oversight Board, freelance PMCs not held to such standards, paramilitaries or “volunteers” sent to fight what people in power see as the good fight.
By contrast, the powerful nation of Zhongua and Lauzanne see different things in the Katanga Republic, and maybe you do too. A better way than the cycle of revenge, a way for the Katanga people to uplift themselves into more than what others say they can be, or a way to get back at nations that seek to exploit others for their own gain and make them reconsider their actions. Perhaps as a mercenary group, your leaders see more future dividends should they support the government in search of longer-term contracts for security and training the Katangan army.
There will be the option for mercenary groups to have heavy equipment, as shown on the regional map there are two green diamonds showing GSOB bases from which heavier mercenary units can deploy from. However, most fixed-wing or rotary-wing assets would likely need to operate from captured airports or engage targets while inside Katangan airspace, as it is politically unfavourable to give cover to mercenaries firing missiles into a nation it isn’t at war with.
As for a general perspective I’m going for, I am personally going to try and aim for more personal perspectives from soldiers inside the conflict, from the average infantryman who is sent to a country half a world away, to commanders and political figures behind the scenes. If you don’t feel you can, playing a supporting force, using a singular perspective character or having units move is fine, and if you want you can contact me if you want to do a joint or collaborative post.
The IC will be up when I have a good amount of people, but I will be aiming for quality of posts, rather than quantity.
But without further ado…
Disc 1, Track 1: All Along the Watchtower
APPLICATION FORM
Nation/PMC/Character Name:
Side Backed [Katanga Republic/Joseph Kabongo]:
National/Personal goals:
Non-military support given:
Military Support Given (ORBAT):
Extra information (background/context etc.):
