Istapali

[ChitinKal]

Liore, Istapali Agree Upon Water Level Compromise

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Militarytoday

Kalibaka: The Department of Defense has, just a year before the presidential election, announced a major reorganization program for both army, navy and airforce. This reorganization comes after several years of military expansion and modernization that has seen several succesfull domestic systems be produced and entered into service. While the technology and size kept improving and growing the command structure and old power structures remained intact, causing problems in the chain of command and old rivalries sparking inside the higher circles. The Department of Defense, looking to create a effective fighting force, now seeks to destroy this instability and distrust, announcing a reorganization in which new checks and balances will be created and experienced, non biased officers will be moved around to ensure a proper command structure is in place.

The reorganization plan is ambitious, with all branches being taken on at the same time. The army will receive an entirely new divisional structure, moving from brigades to divisions and with the divisions being reorganized as well. A new set of officers will be trained and introduced to the force, allowing older ones to retire and getting a new generation of officers inside the force. The army will also be receiving a annual exercise named PALIA which will be a exercise attended by all branches to train in combined arms warfare. The airforce will see half of its high command retire with several new commanders being promoted to positions in high command. Rumours suggest that the Air Force Command has been filled with corruption for decades, prompting President Kayode to brush many aside. The air force will also be reorganized to ensure a more efficient force. The navy will be reorganized into different fleets with, for now, two fleets being designated. Their names are yet to be determined but in addition to these changes in overall structure the navy will also be receiving new on board protocols to hopefully increase safety on its ships, something that has been lacking according to several reports.

The reorganization is already underway and the Department of Defense hopes to complete all of them in the next 5 years.

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Global Trade Review

Kalibaka: Istapali is seeing its first New Labour president ascend the highest office in the land in over 3 decades. The DRP, which has ruled the country for over 31 years continiously as the NLP saw its support dwindle, has now been moved out of power with the NLP pulling a stunning upset. The result was caused by years of economic decline following the fall of the Yingdalan financial system and the worsening social conditions in the country. The DRP, which ran with incumbent president Joseph Mansaray, thus lost the presidency and with it the Federal Assembly, which has gotten a sizeable majority for the NLP. While the DRP will keep control of the senate, at least for 2 years till the next election is due, the NLP is already preparing major legislative initiatives firstly to bring back the Istapalian economy but secondly to fullfill a major campaign promise, that of improving the social security net in the country. Newly elected NLP president Hamsa Uster had pledged to create a social safety net at any expense, allowing the Istapalian poor to "remain fed and housed". Currently over 30% of the country lives in harsh poverty, a number that has only increased in recent decades under DRP rule. The NLP under new president Uster seeks to change that, stating that it intends to, "use this opportunity entrusted to us by the people to bring about change, change to help the poor, change to bring wealth to the country, change to renew the social fabric of our nation and change to break down the status quo."

President Uster is set to be sworn in in 5 months time, after the college of electors has formally elected him president. He won with 51% of the popular vote, becoming the first President in over 8 years to be elected with a majority of the popular vote.


The electoral map following the election. NLP in blue, DRP in red

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Voice of America

Kalibaka: The Senate has today rejected a major economic reform package proposed by the President and his New Labour Party. The package, dubbed the "Istapali Economic Recovery Plan" would invest over 5 billion in revitalizing the economy, nationalizing the railway network once more, centralizing energy production and creating several new agencies to hand out subsidies for new bussinesses as well as encourage employment. The package was passed through the Federal Assembly last week with a clear majority, with some DRP members also voting in favour. This increased the hopes of the DRP controlled senate to also vote in favour of the proposed reforms, but this hope was misplaced. Late at night, after more then 8 hours of debate, the vote was held eventually resulting in 30 votes in favour and 34 against, rejecting the entire package. Following the vote people took to the streets in mainly industrial areas of major cities, demanding a revote, which can only be granted by the majority party in the chamber. The DRP leadership refused to give in and kept the vote in place, thus meaning an end to the most ambitious legislative initiative of new President Uster and a line through the possibility of economic recovery in the short term. The President and several high placed members of the NLP leadership stated that the DRP, "Has deliberately chosen for stagnation and suffering today", blaming the party for standing in the way of economic recovery. The DRP on its turn has accussed the NLP and the President of "trying to implement radical policies in light of a economic crisis, instead of working with the other side to come to a consensus."

President Uster has stated that he has asked the Assembly leadership to keep the passed IERP package in effect. With the senate elections to be held next year, it is likely that if the NLP wins, the package might still pass and go into effect. In the meantime President Uster has directed his government departments to use their discretionary budget to push through some early changes, with the Department of Labour reportedly investing 5% of its budget into creating a new department within the department to help the unemployed find a job, this until the actual reform package with the money may pass.

If the IERP package passes it will mean a large variety of new regulations and changes to Istapali's economy, meant to stimulate a centralized path to recovery. Something the DRP has always voiced itself against.

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Council on Foreign Relations

Kalibaka: Hasimou Fandika of the conservative oriented Democratic Republican Party has been elected president in a landslide victory yesterday, winning over 55% of the popular vote and a 240 to 26 victory in the electoral college. Fandika campaigned on a platform of social conservatism and a strong response to the UFHF terrorist threat as well as the economic hardships and political corruption that have plagued Istapali in recent years. His rival, Ameba Marenah, was the former Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the first ever female politician to run on a major party ticket. She ran for the New Labour Party, the party that had controlled the nation for the past 10 years under outgoing president Jamir Kadinka. Many analysts suggest that a female ticket also hurt the chances of the New Labour Party, with many Istapalians still rather patriarchal in their believes. The main reason for the loss of New Labour however is the political corruption in government as well as the terror threat posed by the UFHF. Istapali has continiously been ranked as a corrupt nation, with bribery and political favouritism being rampant. The problem worsened under New Labour, with outgoing president Kadinka even being investigated for alleged criminal conduct and a massive bribery scandal, which saw over a billion in government funding dissapear.

Fandika is a social conservative at heart and used to be the director of the central bank. He rose to prominance after his departure at the bank however, joining the Democratic Republican party and becoming the Governor of Timbaku. During his tenure as governor he became known as a staunch conservative, being tough on crime and corruption as well as believing in a strong free market with minimal regulations. His administration launched "Operation Cleanse Timbaku" which saw over 300 Timbaku officials being arrested and prisons in the state being heavily overcrowded with criminals and bussinessmen from several important companies. The operation was criticized by opponents, who stated it violated the constitution and several human rights conventions. The Timbaku people loved it however, with Fandika leaving office with a 80% approval rating. His tough crime, social conservative portfolio has now helped him win the highest office in the country. He has already promised a total crackdown on corruption and seeks to stabilize the desert regions of Palinata, Balikoro, Imores and Malikoro, regions that have been plagued with instability and attacks from the UFHF. Some of the oppossition fear a Fandika presidency however, with his no nonsense approach and his authoritarian tendencies being a point of concern. His now absolute control, with the DRP controlling both layers of parliament, only increases this concern as many wonder what the coming 5 years will bring. With a strong mandate however, its clear that Fandika will push forward to realize his electoral promises and try to stabilize and crackdown corruption in his Istapali.


The electoral results, giving Fandika and his party a clear and resounding victory

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Twitter

Istapali: Two months after his election to the presidency President Fandika has authorized a large military "cleanup" operation in the desert regions of the country. The operation, simply dubbed the "Desert Offensive", is seeing around 5.000 Istapali soldiers, covered by the first artillery brigade and supported by Vanukean assets, launching several attacks on known UFHF hideouts and strongholds. The goal of the operation is to further build on the succes of operation hiding fox of three months ago which saw a stronghold town under UFHF control change back to government control. The initial stages of the offensive are now ongoing with initial reports suggesting that at least 100 militants have so far died and around 4 minor settlements liberated from their control. Istapali Forces are also being hit heavily however with around 5 dead and around 30 wounded, largely due to to IED and hit and run attacks. Lourennaise intelligence seems to suggest that many militants are now abandoning settlement strongholds, moving deeper into the desert in a attempt to escape the offensive and ongoing Vanukean airstrikes on key strategic locations.

President Fandika stated to the press that he intends to "annihalate any terrorists on Istapalian soil" and that the current operation, "is just one string in a web of victories and operations we have planned ahead." It is estimated that the UFHF has over 3.000 active fighters, with many deeply religious civilians in the desert regions sympathizing with the organization. The UFHF has long been active in Istapali but operated below the radar. In the last 2 years the organization has increased its pressence abroad and domestically, destabilizing much of the desert regions of Istapali, thanks in large part to little trust in the Istapalian government and rampant corruption within its structures. The UFHF fights for a state based on strict hosian religious law. The regions they control are often controlled by "religious councils" that consist of clerics from the hosian faith. They routinely hand out death sentences for minor crimes that are deemed "anti hosian" and have also been reported to abuse those adhering to traditional believes within Istapali.

The "Desert Offensive" is reported to last another month, with the goal of establishing a foothold in much of the desert settlements, followed by maintaining a presence there and "wringing out" the UFHF while they hunker down within the dry and resource empty deserts.

[Rogue]

OOC Source: New Statesman

Kalibaka: The combined parliament of Istapali, consisting of the Federal Assembly and Senate, has passed a initiative that seeks to combat systemic corruption in the country. The initiative, proposed by the DRP and championed by President Fandika, gives the President and his cabinet a wide range of authority to deal with corruption in the executive while also adressing possible corruption in other parts of the state apparatus by creating a "Commission for State Integrity". The new commission includes politicians from both political parties and seeks to find and effectively deal with corruption within any layer of government, that being judicial, legislative or executive. The initiative hands the cabinet the power to investigate employees of their ministries, gain search warrants when corruption is suspected and get special permission to arrest and put on trial those that have been proven to involve themselves with bribery. Furthermore the new commission will be granted the same powers and will not be limited to just the executive but all branches of government. President Fandika, upon the passing of the initiative, stated that it will, "Give my government the neccesary tools to deal with this evil that has corrupted our beautifull Istapali and has seen suffering and Istapali wealth being siphoned away. I have directed all my departments to do whatever necessary in starting the anti-corruption work now."

Upon the passing of the initiative over 200 government employees were already arrested and the Department of National Security has reportedly even arrested several mayors and put 5 governors on a investigative list. Many oppossition figures are affraid that these new powers will give Fandika the power to silence the oppossition but Fandika has rejected these concerns, stating that "Only the corrupt politicians have to fear for their future now, which makes me think that those against this bill are those that tend to be corrupt." Human rights organizations have warned that the bill could lead to unnecessary complications and mistakes in its enforcement, urging the Istapali government to use this new authority, "with extreme caution and care."

[Rogue]

OOC Source: BBC

Palinata: The Istapali Army, supported by elements of the Vanukean KVJ, has succesfully concluded its desert offensive and set up, "a dozen", FOB's in the desert regions of the country. Our reporters state that while the FOB's appear primitive, with only a few sandbags, improvised entrance and a Istapali flag surrounding them, it is clear the Istapali army has assumed control of most urban centers within the regions, even now holding a pressence in smaller villages. The UFHF militants have reportedlt fled deeper into the desert, into a area with little to no inhabantants. Some roads are still unsave and INN reporters have been escorted from FOB to FOB, as IED's and hit and run attacks are still a danger to be dealt with. Lourennaise intelligence seems to suggest that in the recent offensive over 500 militants have been killed, with around 140 Istapali army soldiers died. Furthermore the Vanukean KVJ lost one of its members in a night raid within a village in the region of Palinata, dying after a militant blasted his shotgun through the door. The militant was shot at the spot. It is the first Vanukean casualty since the start of the operation. The body of the KVJ member has been transported to the Vanukean logistical base, ready to be send back home.

The operation has given President Fandika a massive popularity boost. Combined with his now fully active anti corruption campaign the operation has led to a approval rating of more then 82%, the highest for any Istapalian president in this stage of his first term ever. Fandika is using this popularity to push through further reforms, now preparing to pass a major economic reform package that would see large cuts in regulations all accross the economy. The package is expected to pass parliament without major issues. The Istapali Army, underfunded for years and struggling to deal with inner rivalries between officers and generals, is also celebrating this rare victory, with Commander-General Ousa Mangali stating that, "The Istapali Army is showing its strength and will continue to show it in the future." Despite the now renewed importance of the Armed Forces President Fandika is not planning on a expansion of its budget or reform. The Istapali Airforce only consists of 20 old multirole fighters and a dozen transport helicopters, with air chiefs constantly asking the government for a expansion or modernization. The navy had been cut to only 2 frigates and a destroyer 8 years ago, in part to combatthe growing debt crisis the country faced. President Fandika has stated that "our current economic situation needs to improve significantly in order for us to consider investing in the entirety of our armed forces."

With all populated centers in government hands experts expect UFHF support to die down and its remaining fighters, estimated at 1500, to desert in the coming months.

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Pinterest

Kalibaka: The Supreme Court of Istapali, the highest court in the land, has taken up a case requested by human rights organizations directly aimed at the federal government led by president Fandika. The case, first brought forward in lower courts accros the country, questions the legitimacy of the government its crackdown on corruption and the arrest of hundreds. The crackdown, issued by Fandika and empowered by the anti-corruption package passed by parliament, has resulted in the arrest of over 4000 government employees, 3000 politicians including those from oppossition parties and the ruling party itself and has seen a "purge" of military leadership occur, with generals that expressed their dissatisfaction with the current government sacked or even arrested. The actions have sparked outrage primarily under the oppossition, but is also seeing increasingly more ressistance from members of the ruling DRP, who themselves have been a target of the anti-corruption measures imposed by Fandika. The case will now thus be brought up with the Supreme Court which has indicated it will do a independent review of the case and make a determination afterwards. President Fandika has scorched the decision, stating that "its a disgrace" and that "those fighting for corruption will face the consequences that entails."

Regional powers and neighbours are considered about the increased authoritarianism shown in Istapali. Vanukean Prefect Sumrak has stated that the King's government will monitor the situation, "as the terrorist threat is contained, we must make sure democracy is not endangered. If democracy is threatened, it might give more support to the UFHF threat." The case is set to be heard next year after a series of hearings has been performed. The stakes are high. If President Fandika is sentenced he would, as per constitution, be removed from office.

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Daily Sabah

Kalibaka: The Istapali military, spearheaded by the Army, has in the early hours of today committed a chaotic and disorganized coup that has resulted in the dissolution of both the Assembly and Senate as well as the disintergration of normal state functioning. The cabinet has partially been killed or arrested, and those still free are seemingly unable to exercise authority over their respective matters. The Minister of Defense has fled to neighbouring New-Englia but has lost all control over the military. Known Army general Simon Kumbara issued a statement saying that the, "Istapali military has assumed control over the state and is doing what is neccesary to secure order and reastablish basic services." Power and internet has been cut in several cities accross the country and T-55 tanks can be seen in the capital of Kalibaka. Both the leadership of the NLP and DRP have been arrested with all members of parliament put under house arrest. The military is however struggling to maintain control as crowds of people have gathered on streets and militants have used the opportunity to attack army positions. Furthermore with basic services shutdown, unrest amongst the population only grows, making the situation even more pressing.

The coup came just 4 days after President Fandika was removed from office by the Supreme Court for using the powers of his office in cracking down on corruption. The president had known loyalists within the military and with morale tied to the president's successes in recent years many army generals are believed to seek Fandika's leadership in further strengthening their own positions. The building of the Supreme Court has apparently seen small arms fire and several police units in more rural parts of the country are actively resisting military takeovers. The UFHF is also on the move, reportedly using the diversion to attack former strongholds and regain a foothold where they lost it before. Vanukean KVJ units have reported major troop movements and are struggling to keep the frontline stable without the manpower provided by the Istapalian military. Vanukean Prefect Sumrak has warned the international community and Istapalian military that if pressure becomes to high, he will be forced to order the withdrawal of Vanukean personell, further paving the way for instability and terrorist advances.

Former President Fandika has not responded to the coup, reportedly still hunkered down in his residence just outside Kalibaka. While the military states this is a independent coup to restore "faith in the state" many seem to think it is a attempted reinstatement of Fandika after his removal from office.