Mina

[Augustus Germanus]

'Akhbar al-Jumhuria - Republic News
Government of Mina forms another agreement with another Endralonian corporation

The Government of Mina has given total access over the renovation and construction of the main airport in the State of Kamphon to the newly established Endralonian corporation known as 'Eight Continents Airlines'. The Minan Government hopes to increase tourism and with it economic growth to the State. But when the Ministry of Infrastructure revealed their plans to renovate a major port of the island state, the opposition immediately took action to attack the Government. The main criticism is that the nation can not afford such expensive constructions, especially those directly supervised by the Government. President Azim Hamid ignored the criticism and decreed the project himself. Not only that but the next day main outspoken critics of the opposition were arrested on charges of fraud and tax evasion, something the opposition has firmly stated that it is the Government's doing.
The construction of the airport and the maritime port will mean that the influx of tourists to the State of Kamphon can have an easier access to mainland Mina, something the Government and the President hopes could increase economic growth for other States as well.

Published 20 January 4798

[Rogue]

al-Mina Alyawm
Mina Today is a national newspaper dedicated to bringing daily news from Mina
Deputy Prime Minister Suhaib el-Mona announces run with own party
April 4813

el-Mona (right) and al-Bashir (left) three years ago just after their government was taking shape, now they are on thin ice
OOC Source: Flickr

Wad Mabelat: Deputy Prime Minister Suhaib el-Mona, until now part of the Prime Ministers "Sunset Coalition" political bloc, has announced his intend on running in next years election with his own independent party called the "Democratic Awakening". It was publicly known that el-Mona and Prime Minister Shakeel al-Bashir were already on thin ice following several liberalizing reforms proposed and passed by Bashir and his coalition. el-Mona, a conservative himself, saw these reforms as a danger to the traditional power structures that exist within Mina. With this new party and his departure from the Sunset Coalition el-Mona has now directly put himself in oppossition to the Prime Minister, who has already stated he wont be able to work with someone that, "Betrays the governments trust for political gain." The political split also had a danger of showing itself in society however. Bashir is, as the name implies, part of the wealthy al-Bashir family which owns over 20% of Mina lands and has several family ties with other prominent Minese families. el-Mona on the other hand is part of a more rural and tribal part of Mina, with his tribe named "Alavir" being alligned with several other tribes in the north of the country. This divide is thus not only seen as a political one but also a social one, with the wealthy, powerfull and largely liberal al-Bashir family and its allies on one side and the largely poor, tribal and conservative tribes on the other.

While it seems all sides have set their sights on the election of next year some rumours from within the tribes seem to suggest that pressure has been put on el-Mona to take power directly, with many tribal leaders fearing a Bashir victory and the consequences it brings to tribal lands. If force is used in any way it is likely a domino effect will occur. While the Republic has largely been stable over the past decades and has seen some golden years a stagnation in wage growth and the recent economic troubles caused by the Vascanian blockade of waterways has caused a flare up of old tribal and social tensions that could quickly escalate.

[Rogue]

al-Mina Alyawm
Mina Today is a national newspaper dedicated to bringing daily news from Mina
Small scale fighting reported in North and South Mina
May 4813

A military administrative building in the south, destroyed by a bomb of unknown origin
OOC Source: BBC

Wad Mabelat: Reports have come in from the northern tribal areas and the southern metropolitan regions of fighting in some parts of these regions. While government sources state that there is no reason to believe a conflict is breaking out facts on the ground seem to contradict these claims. Photos are circulating from a known military administrative building in the south destroyed by what appeared to be a pre placed bomb. Other attacks have also been reported, with no sign of the Minister for Internal Affairs. Some fear he has been killed in one of 5 drive by shootings yesterday targetting government personell. Deputy Prime Minister el-Mona has reportedly travelled to the Tribal regions on the north and has since not been seen.

While the situation remains unclear it appears as if pressure by tribal leaders for el-Mona to act has caused him to do just that. Several units of tribal fighters have been spotted in both the north and south, with small scale gunfights apparently raging in towns accross the nation. Liore reports a estimated 2000 Minese citizens have crossed the border, further confirming that fighting has erupted in the country.

The military, normally silent, has for now stayed loyal to the government of al-Bashir, fighting back against the few tribal fighters currently attacking military assets. While fighting seems to be limited more and more people from both sides seem to be joining in, with the military and al-Bashir loyalists on the one hand and tribes with their militia's on the other. International observers have called for clarification from diplomats within Mina as the situation seems to slowly move out of control.

[Rogue]

al-Mina Alyawm
Mina Today is a national newspaper dedicated to bringing daily news from Mina
Civil War in Mina, Anarchy ensues
January 4814 (Postdated)

A burning tank within the rubble of the Was Mabelat suburbs
OOC Source: Pixabay

Wad Mabelat: The until now relatively minor skirmishes in Mina have turned into full scale civil war. A central authority is more likely then not gone, with the former Republican government having no direct control over the country anymore. Instead several factions have taken up arms against the central government and assumed control over their respective area. First and foremost the Tribes, united under the newly formed "Confederation of Minese Tribes" have taken control over most tribal areas, mainly in the north and several pockets of the south. While initially this seemed to be the only faction taking up arms this proved to be wrong as more and more groups, long feeling opressed by the central republican government, have now taken up arms and stand against the government of al-Bashir. These groups include the "Rally for Minese Democracy" consisting of liberals and other left leaning ideologies have launched attacks in the Minese capital as well as assuming control of towns surrounding it, they have called for a true democracy to be established, not influenced by the tribes or the rich families.

Another group which has risen in both popularity and strength are the Ba'athists, mostly consisting of Majatran Dovani's and believing in a pan-dovani ideology combined with strict socialist principles. Until now the Ba'athists, due to their violent and often anti government history, were barred from running in elections, with the Republican government actively rooting out Ba'athist sympathizers fearing them gaining in popularity. The group has had a tendency of becoming popular amongst the population, with several other groups trying to supress this popularity to avoid a Ba'athist takeover like before. However, with central authority diminishing and al-Bashir desperately trying to maintain order, the Ba'athists themselves have risen up in the west of Mina, with a strong "People's Militia" being assembled and reportedly already advancing towards the capital. To make matters worse for al-Bashir there are rumours from within the military that his leadership has led to the war, prompting some to believe the military might turn against him. Until now around 1200 Minese have died in the conflict, with around 20.000 assembling at the Liore border and many more being displaced within the country itself. Many wonder what the international response to the growing conflict will be.

[Rogue]

al-Mina Alyawm
Mina Today is a national newspaper dedicated to bringing daily news from Mina
Ba'athists besiege capital, fighting in south intensifies
January 4815 (Postdated)

Ba'athist militiamen during the siege
OOC Source: Wordpress

Wad Mabelat: The Ba'athist people's militia has surrounded the Minese capital of Wad Mabelat and has formally announced a siege of the city. The People's Militia is the largest of the three ba'athist militia's currently actively operating in the region. In recent months the Ba'athists have solidified their hold in the region and have made significant gains, taking over control in most of the west of the country. Now, with their forces surrounding the capital, they have trapped Prime Minister al-Bashir and his remaining forces in the city. Furthermore reports have come in of several army generals now pledging their support for the Ba'athists and diverting control of their troops over to them. For the time being Ba'athist leader Shafeeq al-Saleem has announced the creation of a provisional government under the name of the "Minese Republic". While the Ba'athists their odds of gaining power grow larger by the day the south of Mina is seeing more intense fighting. After Liore occupied a entire borderregion the tribes, forced of their land, have started an attempt at moving north, clashing heavily with remaining al-Bashir forces in the region. It is estimated that thousands more have fled their home and around 2000 have died in the fighting over the past two months. In total around 11.000 people have died in the conflict which has been raging for over a year now.

Despite the continuation of fighting and al-Bashir still refusing to hand over power it seems extremely likely that, with the support of elements of the military, the Ba'athists will end up taking over nominal control in the country, allowing them to form their own government. Even if this is the case however it remains to be seen if the conflict will automatically end with the ousting of al-Bashir. The tribes have already rejected Ba'athist rule and it is likely that while major conflict will slow down once bashir's forces are defeated insurgency and otherwise passive ressistance will continue, largely originating from the Tribal Confederation. The Provisional ba'athist government has already involved itself in the affairs of Mina as it has condemned the Liore "invasion" of the border region, calling on the international community to respond.

[Rogue]

al-Mina Alyawm
Mina Today is a national newspaper dedicated to bringing daily news from Mina
al-Bashir hanged in capital, Ba'athists establish "Majatran Republic of Mina"
January 4816 (Postdated)

Central Wad Mabelat, completely destroyed after the year long siege
OOC Source: Unusual Traveller

Wad Mabelat: The newly established Ba'athist People's Union has proclaimed the "Majatran Republic of Mina" after already proclaiming a provisional government a year ago. This proclamation, supported by several governments globally, means that effectively the former Republic of Mina has ceased to exist, despite a few loyalist Bashir pockets remaining in a armed struggle against the Ba'athists, which have now gained the full support of the military. Before the new Majatran Republic was proclaimed a protracted siege of the capital was the main focus on both sides. The ba'athists besieged the city for over a year, with around 3000 casualties as a result. Last week the siege ended as the last apartment bloc in the city's suburbs surrendered to Ba'athist forces. al-Bashir, the Prime Minister of the former republic, has been publicly hanged in the central square of the capital following his capture during the battle for the government quarter. Most of his men turned against him and the Republican Armed Forces have almost completely deserted to the proclaimed Ba'athist government, leaving the Ba'athist leadership with their own 30.000 strong network of militias as well as the 100.000 strong Republican Armed Forces at their side.

The execution of al-Bashir is seen as the end of major combat in the civil war. With many neighbouring and international countries now recognizing the new Majatran Republic as the legitimate authority within Mina. Despite this fighting continues in a smaller scale with Ba'athist forces now clashing with Tribes accross the country and remnants of al-Bashir militi'as now moving underground to launch attacks against the new government. al-Saleem, leader of the Ba'athists, has been appointed President by the newly established party the BPU and has already ratified a constitution, granting the president the position of HOS with a seperate Prime Minister's office established to be HOG. In practice the president would hold most executive power, with the Prime Minister acting as the chief of staff of the cabinet as well as performing any tasks given to him or her by the president. A new legislature named the "People's Congress" has been created as well, consisting of 150 members. This congress is appointed by the Ba'athist People's Union with every member having to belong to the BPU. Other elements of the government such as the Judiciary are also fully under the control of the BPU. The president, which serves a 5 year term, is subsequently appointed by the BPU leadership as well and her or she appoints the Prime Minister and cabinet afterwards.

This new structure basically makes the Ba'athist People's Union the supreme authority in the new Majatran Republic. The party will thus control most facets of the state with international observers already calling it a "gross violation of democratic principles established by the previous government."
It is unclear when the new state will be properly established but president al-Saleem has already stated he and his new government will make "restoring order and stability" to the nation one of their greatest priorities.

[Rogue]

al-Mina Alyawm
Mina Today is a national newspaper dedicated to bringing daily news from Mina
People's Congress Enacts New Censorship Laws, Ba'athists solidify power, Insurgency in the South
October 4819

The new People's Congress during the voting on a series of new censorship laws
OOC Source: Unusual Traveller

Wad Mabelat: The legislative body of the Majatran Republic of Mina, the People's Congress, has enacted a series of proposed censorship laws that would basically make it impossible for Minese citizens to access the world wide web, creates a new "Agency of State Security" which will be tasked with censoring media outlets on "subversive anti-state propaganda" and would limit the right to freedom of speech when it comes to criticizing the state. The new series of laws does also include a section which grants the full right to criticize religion, this is seen as the first step of the new secular Ba'athist government to limit the influence of religion in Mina. The new laws, heavily criticized by political dissidents and human rights organizations, would mean a further limit being put on the freedoms of the Minese people. It is unclear if the new laws will be applied effectively however. Recent months have shown that the new Ba'athist government does not have a strong grip on over 60% of Mina as of now, prompting several other factions namely the Tribal Confederation to assume control over these areas. The government, supported by the former Republican Military, is however making significant gains and controls more and more of Mina by the day.

This is also seen on the political front. The Ba'athist Peoples Union Party has already assumed strict control over most layers of the new state. With party representatives present in the judiciary, legislature and executive with party leaders picking every important position by hand. Despite the increased reached of the party the military remains a concern. While the People's Militia's are under firm party control the former Republican Armed Forces have not been brought under its umbrella. According to sources the BPUP is now laying the groundworks for a reorganization of the Armed Forces, putting a party representative in most army units to ensure loyalty and removing formerly top ranking Bashir loyalists from the leadership. This move is already being labeled the "Purge" and will, according to a majority of analysts, remove most experienced leadership from the Armed Forces, making it look more like a organized militia then a standing army.

Furthermore, fighting in Mina is far from over. While the Ba'athist government is taking more territory a full blown insurgency has developed in the south of the country. Spearheaded by the Tribal Confederation a group of Liberal, Conservative, Monarchist and Tribal militia's has risen up against Ba'athist rule, taking several towns and even the regional capital of Al-Makrit. While the Ba'athist hold on this region was already weak it has now totally dissapated. Movement of army units seem to suggest that the government is planning to retake the region but it will likely result in a persistent guerilla war. One thing is clear, the people of Mina despite their new government are not yet at peace.

[Rogue]

al-Mina Alyawm
Mina Today is a national newspaper dedicated to bringing daily news from Mina
President el-Mahdi Launches Literacy Campaign
September 4838

President el-Mahdi during a state ceremony earlier this year
OOC Source: TPPH

Wad Mabelat: Ba'athist President Imaru el-Mahdi has announced the start of his new education and literacy program named "Mina Forward". The program, which will cost a estimated 5 billion in the coming 5 years, will construct a total of 400 new schools, restructure and recreate the the national cariculum, hire over 4000 new teachers and invest heavily in new literacy programs especially for the poor and rural class. el-Mahdi, in a speech to the People's Congress, stated that this program will "elevate" minese youth and allow Mina to become more educated and grow in the future. Some international organizations have criticized the program, stating that the new curiculum includes references to the Ba'athist party as "the only legitimate political force in Mina" and includes dedicated lessons in socialism and dedication to the state. While there are thus some concerns about the program the government and several internal Minese organizations have praised the plans, stating that "finally minese youth will be properly educated"

Over recent years Mina has struggled to move past its devastating civil war and continued internal struggles. Tribal militias continue their guerilla struggle in the south and west of the country, tensions near Nefa have been building up further and international organizations have boycotted the Majatran Republic of Mina due to its, "poor respect for basic human rights". The Minese economy has also failed to improve, with a growthrate of 0.2% and it frequently going into the negative and unemployment at a stunning 34%. So far the regime has managed to hold power with them maintaining relative peace in the other regions of the country as well as implementing extremely costly but relatively effective social programs, such as state owned housing being provided to the poor. The party has also increased its hold on society, with the Ba'athist People's Union Party now arguably entrenched in almost all facets of Minese life. Making it hard for Minese citizens to show dissent. While some hope that this new educational program may improve the situation in Mina many fear that the volatile situation the nation finds itself in will continue.

[Rogue]

al-Mina Alyawm
Mina Today is a national newspaper dedicated to bringing daily news from Mina
Military Buildup Near Nefa, Positions Being Built
September 4839

Artillery Positions of the 8th Corps being constructed near Nefa
OOC Source: TBC

Nefa: Forces of the Minese Army as well as the Majatran Socialist Ressistance Army and Ba'athist Peoples Union Army militia's have reportedly been entrenching and building up near the Nefa border region with Liore. Liore has occupied Nefa and its population centers for over a decade following the Minese civil war. This has been a bitter point of contention as the Ba'athist Minese government does not recognize Liore sovereignty over the region and has marked it Minese territory in official documents. For years after the civil war the guerilla tribal armies had controlled the region surrounding Nefa, preventing the national government from pressuring the Liore forces in Nefa. Now, after years of conflict, the guerilla has mostly moved west, allowing the Minese Army and the several Ba'athist controlled militia's to position themselves alongside the Nefa border. Over the past few weeks more and more troops have massed themselves on this border. Mainly over 50.000 militiamen have entrenched themselves in makeshift trenches and defensive positions while several corps and the entire 2nd division of the Minese Army have constructed artillery positions directly aimed at Liore forces accross the contested border. While no shot has been fired as of yet many international observers fear that one mistake on either side could spark a large border conflict potentially further destabilizing the already unstable region. President el-Mahdi has, in a televized speech before the People's Congress, had caleld Nefa "the lifeblood of our nation" and repeatedly stated that Liore must return the region it its rightfull owner. Around 500 men from the elite Republican Guard have also been positioned near the border, likely advicing and supervising the regular militia and army forces now preparing positions near Nefa.

[Rogue]

al-Mina Alyawm
Mina Today is a national newspaper dedicated to bringing daily news from Mina
Artillery Shells Hit Nefa Targets
November 4840

A shell exploding in Nefa City, the largest city in Nefa
OOC Source: BBC

Nefa: According to several reports on the ground Minese artillery positions have fired several salvos into the Nefa region contested between Liore and Mina. The shell, around 100 of them shot throughout the day, landed on both military sites and several civilian centers, including Nefa City. The bombings have so far cost the life's of around 20 confirmed Nefa citizens, wounding over 200 more. 2 Liore soldiers have also been reported dead after their checkpoint was blown apart by two Minese shells. During and after the shelling by Minese forces the more then 60.000 men of both Minese militia's and the regular Minese Army further entrenched themselves, now manning the entire border with Nefa supported by artillery and limited armoured support. After the shelling the Ba'athist press office in Wad Mabelat pushed out a statement saying that Liore its provocation and unjustified occupation of Nefa is a threat to regional stability and Mina will do anything to regain control of its sovereign land. International observers fear a escalation an possible border conflict between the two nations.

Liore has positioned several army units at the border with both nations having thousands of men facing eachother. Mina is seen as the rogue card in the dispute by many. With a regime thats weak at best it is using the border skirmishes to gain legitimacy and strengthen its own position within Mina. Despite the weak state of its government, economy and territorial integrity Mina still boasts a large militia force and army, still posing a significant threat to Liore and the guerilla fighters in western Mina.

A escalation of the conflict could see thousands dead.

In other news
-Guerilla Stronghold of Hibrabat captured by Republican Guard forces
-Reconstruction efforts in the North underway
-Literacy program sees succes
-Ba'athist People's Union Party of Kamphon warns national government of possible bancruptcy