Peace Talks Conclude: Sultan Calls it a Victory for Medina"Today we finally sign the long-desired peace agreement with Utembo. I can tell you, great people, that this is a victory for Medina. It is also, however, a victory for the people of Utembo, who shall not have to face our devastating storms, and a victory for reason." The agreement sees compromise on both sides, but ultimately, after months of negotiation and years of battle, Medina sees the most gains, a prospect which is already seeing the King of Utembo -- who the Sultan called "reasonable and a delight to negotiate with" -- facing some criticism in his home country after he bowed to immense pressure in his country to secure peace in what was seen as a failing and unnecessary war.
Much of the south of Utembo has been turned into the Kingdom of South Utembo, a new independent state, while the King of Utembo sees himself now sitting on the throne of North Utembo. The capital city of Utembo sits within the north's borders, but a large amount of people have now been interred in the Medinese sphere of influence, with South Utembo signing an agreement to co-operate in a variety of areas and exist as a protectorate of Medina, from trade to military matters, with Medina, while still maintaining links with Utembo -- at least for now. The South will have a ruling monarch, with the Sultan's brother Prince Rifaath I taking over as King, with his son, the Sultan's loving nephew, named as heir.
The South is the most ethnically and culturally similar to Medina and the most broken and war-torn. It is believed that this is part of why the Utemban government was so willing to give it away — that and the lack of the ability to launch a counter-attack without risking their capital falling into Medinese hands.
King Rifaath I of the Kingdom of South Utembo is, of course, a loyal member of the Sultan's family and shall no doubt continue to forge South Utembo into a close ally of Medina. This, of course, is a huge gain for the country, and one Utembo readily agreed to in return for a deal stating that they shall pay no reparations.
Other aspects of the peace stated that any military equipment seized on both sides shall remain; prisoners of war shall be returned to their respective countries unless charged with other crimes once detained; diplomatic relations are to be re-established with Utembo; all troops in now enemy territory must withdraw immediately; border security shall remain in place but shall not be militarised; and both nations agreed to take joint responsibility.
With the establishment of what is now being called the Medinese 'Empire', though the Sultan denies any imperial ideologies, many Medinese are celebrating the Sultan after a series of difficult years. He has also honoured General Azeez with a medal of honour and a promotion of his family to noble status. He is also invited to dine with the Sultan in the near future and has been appointed as the Commander of the Medinese Army.
How the situation develops now is uncertain, but let us all be thankful that we have received such a glorious peace, and that hostilities can finally conclude.
Long live Sultan Zaafir II!
OOC: This isn't the end, obviously. Planning to establish an empire. I'd ask however that no devastating military interventions take place for now, but feel free to intervene diplomatically. PM me if you're interested or unsure
I go by Ashley now and use she/her pronouns. This is a really old account, I don’t play now.
I was a mod in classic for a bit, then I helped make Marcapada and WM there for a while. As of 2020 I’m co-ordinating Pachapay’s development.