Time to pick what kind of leader you are and how you rose to power

>The Prime Minister was assassinated, you are one of the high ranking officials that rose up to power.
You have to be loyal to the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, which means you're expected to on paper be a Soviet style communist. In reality, the political party is privatizing and it's relations with the United States are generally positive. Your biggest concerns the specific ethnic groups that make up the ruling coalition, and the general political dire within the party to not change much.

>You are a military strongman that is "stabilizing the situation" after the Prime Minister was assassinated. Your troops are made up of mostly ethnic groups and professional soldiers. It will be your choice to tradition to democracy or not, but you always run the risk of assassination or being betrayed.

>Politician propped up by military forces and traditional global allies.
After the Prime Minister was assassinated, there was snap elections or inter-coalition elections.

You are a major leader within the Prosperity Party, a "Big Tent" coalition of all the traditional ruling parties, except the Tigray People's Liberation Front (Who are accused of having way too much power in the previous regime). You run the risk of civil-war with the Tigray People's Liberation Front, but have more flexibility at deciding your own policies.

>Politician propped up by military forces and different global allies
Same as the above option, only instead of having the military support of the United States and economic support of China, you are supported by different major powers.

You run the risk of being overly dependent and obedient to your new backers, but in the event your interests/politics and theirs align, this gives you a wonderful opportunity to shift government/military policy.

First to 3 or most in 24 hours wins

>>5920815

>The Prime Minister was assassinated, you are one of the high ranking officials that rose up to power.

But why Ethiopia? Seems like a fun quest idea regardless

>>5920815
>The Prime Minister was assassinated, you are one of the high ranking officials that rose up to power.
This thread looks promising.

>>5920815
>You are a military strongman that is "stabilizing the situation" after the Prime Minister was assassinated. Your troops are made up of mostly ethnic groups and professional soldiers. It will be your choice to tradition to democracy or not, but you always run the risk of assassination or being betrayed.
We will see if this lasts but Im interested.

>>5920815
>You are a military strongman that is "stabilizing the situation" after the Prime Minister was assassinated.

>>5920815
>You are a military strongman that is "stabilizing the situation" after the Prime Minister was assassinated.
I <3 DICTATORS

>>5920831
>>5920828
>>5920826
>Early 2005, Military Junta

You are sitting in your office, surrounded by maps and reports. It has taken you around a month or so to finish up the seizing of military power. The previous Prime Minister was killed by a sniper, and he didn't have a clear successor, or that successor was an idiot.

You have declared martial law, suspended trial by jury for your enemies, and have restricted protests. There is a curfew and strict control of the media, along with gatherings in public or movement of large groups of people. Some number of journalists, politicians, and military leaders are currently in jail.

You have some loyal supporters, mostly from your own ethnic group (Tigray) and the army (Leadership is Tigray). But you also have many enemies, both inside and outside the country. Some of the other ethnic groups resent your domination and accuse you of favoring your own people (This accusation was pointed at the former Prime Minister as well). Some of the professional soldiers are unhappy with your harsh methods and question your legitimacy. Some of the neighboring countries are worried about your military ambitions and your interference in their affairs. And some of the international powers are pressuring you to restore democracy and human rights.

You know that you are walking on a tightrope, and that any wrong move could trigger a civil war, a foreign invasion, or a coup. You have a few options to deal with the situation:

>>5920851

>Negotiate
You can try to Negotiate with some of the moderate opposition/democratic leaders and offer them some concessions, such as a timetable for elections, a new constitution, and a power-sharing agreement. This might appease some of the discontented groups and reduce the risk of violence. But it would also mean giving up some of your power and control, and risking a backlash from your hardline supporters.

>Consolidate
You can try to Consolidate your power and eliminate any potential threats, such as rival generals, rebel factions, and foreign agents. This might strengthen your position and deter any challenges to your rule. But it would also mean escalating the repression and violence, and risking a humanitarian crisis and international isolation.

>Escape
You can try to Escape the country and seek asylum in a friendly nation, such as Russia, China, or Iran. This might save your life and avoid a bloody confrontation. But it would also mean abandoning your people and your cause, and risking a chaotic power vacuum and a hostile takeover.

>Bribe
You can try to Bribe some of the local powerbrokers, such as tribal chiefs, religious leaders, and business tycoons. You can offer them favors, contracts, and positions in your government in exchange for their loyalty and influence. This might help you win over some of the population and secure some of the resources and infrastructure. But it would also mean compromising your principles and policies, and risking corruption and nepotism.

>Ally
You can try Allying yourself deeper with your Tigray cousins and allow them to start organizing ethnic militias. This will deep concerns that you are favoring your own ethnic group, but it will also mean you can strength your position without having to immediately arrest or kill anyone.

>Realignment
You can decide to try Realignment, which means shopping around for foreign organizations that can provide money, resources, training, and perhaps troops to help strength your regime. With troops specifically loyal to you and brand new equipment, you can drastically reduce the odds of being assassinated or couped.


What do you choose to do? You can choose up to two choices.

Please also provide a "Never" vote for the option you most don't want to happen.

>>5920854
>Consolidate
You can try to Consolidate your power and eliminate any potential threats, such as rival generals, rebel factions, and foreign agents. This might strengthen your position and deter any challenges to your rule. But it would also mean escalating the repression and violence, and risking a humanitarian crisis and international isolation.
No need to go full pol pot type crazy but do consolidate power.

>Realignment
You can decide to try Realignment, which means shopping around for foreign organizations that can provide money, resources, training, and perhaps troops to help strength your regime. With troops specifically loyal to you and brand new equipment, you can drastically reduce the odds of being assassinated or couped.
Do this in the background, see who's interested in being friends.

>>5920854
>Negotiate
>Ally
>Never: Escape

>>5920854
>>5920857
Also Never: Negotiate

>>5920854
>Negotiate
>Consolidate
>Never Escape
Appeal to the moderates, stamp out the rebels to appease the hardliners, and never surrender.

>>5920854
>Consolidate
>Realignment
>Never: Negotiate

>>5920854
>Consolidate
>Realignment
>never escape

>>5920854
>Consolidate
>Ally
>Never Bribe
We might be a power hungry dictator, but we do things above board

>>5920854
>Consolidate
>Realignment
BRICS, halp!

>Never: Escape

>>5920854
>Negotiate
>Consolidate

>Never: Escape

Rolled 95, 36 = 131 (2d100)

>>5920857
>>5920877
>>5920906
>>5920917
>>5920963
>Consolidate
>Realignment
>Never: Negotiate

>>5920988
You decide to consolidate your power and eliminate any potential threats, hoping to secure your position. You keep your plans close to yourself, and you remind yourself that you can always change your plans later on. For your own reasons, you refuse to leave the nation in a rush and you have no plans in negotiating with democratic forces, at least for the rest of 2004.

You launch a series of investigations and arrests, targeting anyone who might have been involved in the assassination of your predecessor, Meles Zenawi, or who might pose a threat to your authority. You suspect that some of the rival generals in the army are plotting against you, so you order their removal and replacement with loyalists. You try to keep some degree of balance of power of the various major ethnic groups within your inner circle, in the hopes this will keep any specific major ethic group from declaring a civil-war.

You hope that by doing this, you will deter any challenges to your rule and establish yourself as a strong and decisive leader. But you also face some negative consequences. The previous administration had put down protests in 2001, which left dozens of students, teachers, and mothers were injured. There are rumors of civilian groups whispering and planning a protest against a lack of freedom of speech.

Great Power / Super Power Relations

>United States
Skeptical > Worried
>European Union
Skeptical > Worried
>Russia
Skeptical > Unknown
>China
Ambivalent > Ambivalent
>African Union
Ambivalent > Ambivalent
>United Nations
Skeptical > Worried

Las year there as a terrible drought and foreign aid was sent into your nation to assist it. A lot of this came from the United Nations, with the biggest charity source being the United States.

Just two years ago your nation had moved troops out of Eritrea and away from the Somalian border. Both nations are currently mobilizing their forces out of worry about what you might do.

Major Ethnic Groups
Oromo 34.5%
Amhara 26.9%
Somali 6.2%
Tigray 6.1%

The current ruling political party is the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). It consists of four political parties: Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), Amhara Democratic Party (ADP), Oromo Democratic Party (ODP) and Southern Ethiopian People's Democratic Movement (SEPDM).

While the previous leader was a Tigray and you are a Tigray, and your people have far more power than is expected by population, the other ethnic groups do have a seat at the table.

The EPRDF came to power by overthrowing a Communist Dictatorship which cause a famine that killed 400,000 people and executed tens of thousands more.

>>5921021
You are in a tough situation. The West appears to be Worried. There isn't enough Jihadists or Communists for Bush to prop you up, not to mention on paper you're supposed to be something of a Leninist. There is a lot of worry that your new military regime will refuse to give up power and will keep cracking down like the last dictatorship, and there is worries you'll make the current drought into a famine.

However, you have managed to either anger your Tigray people, while slightly rebalancing power so that other ethnic groups are less disfavored.

You decide to see if you can look around for new foreign powers or organizations, someone who can help you provide the resources to win over the military and maybe help you produce a group of honor guard troops to keep you alive.

>>5921027
You look elsewhere for potential partners, and you find some candidates in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. You contact some of them and express your interest in strengthening your bilateral relations and cooperation. You emphasize your common interests in fighting terrorism, promoting regional stability, and developing trade and investment. You also appeal to their historical and cultural ties with Ethiopia, as well as their opposition to Western interference in your internal affairs.

Some of the countries you're thinking of approaching are:

>Saudi Arabia:
You have a long history of diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, dating back to the 1940s. You share a common religion, Islam, and a common enemy, Al Shabaab, the terrorist group that operates in Somalia and threatens both of your countries. You also have a large number of Ethiopian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, who send remittances back home and contribute to your economy. You can ask Saudi Arabia for financial assistance, military training, and weapons supplies. You can also offer to cooperate on regional security issues, such as the conflict in the Horn of Africa.

>China:
You have a strategic partnership with China, which is your largest trading partner. You admire China’s economic development model and its respect for your sovereignty and non-interference in your domestic politics. You could ask China for more loans, grants, and investments, as well as technical assistance and capacity building. You can also offer to support China’s interests and initiatives in Africa, such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

>Sudan:
You thought you had a friendly and cooperative relationship with Sudan, which is your neighbor and a fellow member of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. You have resolved most of your border disputes and agreed to share the waters of the Nile River.

However, the last two regimes backed a rebel group in Southern Sudan. You realize Sudan is likely still mad at you for this, as you are still supporting these rebels.

So I guess our gameplan is hoping either Russia or China bail us out, and then we stabilize the country?

>>5921021
>The EPRDF came to power by overthrowing a Communist Dictatorship which cause a famine that killed 400,000 people and executed tens of thousands more.
Good old Mengitsu.

>>5921042
>Saudi Arabia
Ethiopia is majority christian btw.

>>5921042
>Saudi Arabia

>>5921042
>Saudi Arabia
Good start. Keeps us in America's orbit (they're still a pretty staunch American ally in 2004), and gives us an easy pivot to Russia or China later.

Alternatively, go straight for
>Russia
if we can.

File: indeed.png (9 KB, 395x172)

9 KB PNG

>>5921048
Was gonna say...

>>5921043
>>5921042
You decide to contact an old friend who works as a journalist in Moscow. He agrees to meet you covertly and tells you some interesting facts about the current situation in Russia.

He says that the president, Pretashinko, is a former Detective and anti-corruption activist who came to power after a popular uprising in 2000. He has been trying to reform the economy, the judiciary, and the military, but he faces a lot of opposition from the old guard and the oligarchs. He also says that Pretashinko support in some nations within the European Union, which sees him as a democratic leader and a potential partner in the region.

However, he also warns you that Pretashinko has a lot of enemies, both inside and outside the country. He says that there have been several assassination attempts on him, and that some of his rivals are plotting a coup. He also says that Navalny’s foreign policy is unpredictable and sometimes aggressive. He says that Pretashinko has been involved in several conflicts, such as the war in Afghanistan, the intervention in Liberia, and the support for the rebels in Chechnya.

Pretashinko, so he says, is a violent and vengeful man, who is very paranoid. He surrounds himself with people he knows from his law enforcement says and has been on a path of revenge since the assassination of his wife back in 1996. He has sent his crack troops into multiple small nations and crushed those he sees as his enemies. However, generally, his opponents are very cruel and the target of peacekeepers or mass uprisings.

>>5921061
>Muslim leader of the TPLF
>Different Russian president
Ah shit, we're through the looking glass. Take nothing for granted, anons.

>>5921061
Well this is interesting.

I guess vote for Saudi Arabia like the rest of the anons.
Inb4 they're Ba'athist or something weird.

>>5921052
>>5921048
Typo and a program I used to give me a outline fucked up really badly and I forgot things were different from 100 years ago.
>>5921051
>>5921049
>>5921048
>>5920963
Time to Choose

>Saudi Arabia and China
Both of these nations are somewhat between a planned and capitalist economy, and both are fairly authoritarian. Saudi Arabia and China both want access to money and affordable raw materials, and they both encourage you to take out loans from them. Both are very interested in stability and peace. There is the risk however that someone else will offer them a better arrangement and they will switch sides, or they will just abandon you till the dust settles.

Saudia Arabia might be willing to provide you wealth / money / credit now, in order to get more money / wealth later. If you really cozy up to them and your enemies just happen to be the right kind, they might provide you with Air Support.

China meanwhile can provide you with affordable equipment, logistics, and weapons.

>Russia
You at first were worried this Pretashinko guy was going to have you wacked for being a Leninist, but luckily for you, he appears to mostly be a socialist and you only technically are a Leninist. Pretashinko reportedly has special forces in various spots around the world, propping up allies and seeking out terrorist groups. He has also been known to provide artillery support to neighbors.

This puts you in a tough position. Saudi Arabia and China may not really care about your politics, but that's because they appear to be openly greedy, and if they help you, they're going to put you into a position of reliance.

Russia meanwhile appears to actually be picking winners and losers, based on either the loyalty or politics of those winners. This might be bad for you if they're actually democratic and you don't have those intentions, or you are hoping to build up enough popularity to run for office and win fairly... but this Pretashinko guy is a real soon to be dictator.

If you are scared of both options, you can choose to very lightly give both a little of what they want and see what happens.
You could borrow a small amount of money from SA/China and buy up some of your international debts. This will mostly replace old debt with new debt. You'll be able to see if they offer you a better interest rate or terms than previous loan suppliers like the IMF.

You can also wait for some local resource leases to expire and offer China/SA first pick.

As for Russia. You could send a formal letter to the ambassador for Russia. The letter will be a formal and careful request for policy suggestions from Pretashinko, as you are a "new and inexperienced leader who seeks his expert advice".

Maybe what he suggests might be what you were going to do anyways, or it will be reasonable enough and not a major sacrifice.

>>5921078
> If you are scared of both options, you can choose to very lightly give both a little of what they want and see what happens.
You could borrow a small amount of money from SA/China and buy up some of your international debts. This will mostly replace old debt with new debt. You'll be able to see if they offer you a better interest rate or terms than previous loan suppliers like the IMF.
>You can also wait for some local resource leases to expire and offer China/SA first pick.
>As for Russia. You could send a formal letter to the ambassador for Russia. The letter will be a formal and careful request for policy suggestions from Pretashinko, as you are a "new and inexperienced leader who seeks his expert advice".

>>5921078
>>5921081
+1

>>5921081
Clever balancing act which I can support. +1

>>5921078

Rolled 6, 9, 48, 94 = 157 (4d100)

>>5921091
>>5921085
>>5921081

>>5921108
>those rolls
Damn.

>>5921108
"The country’s external outstanding debt including arrears, at the end of fiscal year
2003/04, reached 7.2 billion USD (about 62.1 billion Birr), showed a 6.2 percent
increase over the level of the preceding fiscal year. The increase was mainly
attributed to the increase (by 9.5 percent) contracted from multilateral organizations.
At the end of fiscal year 2003/04, from the total external debt stock, the amount owed
to multilateral creditors stood at 65 percent while that of the Paris club, the Non-Paris
club and commercial creditors stood at about 26 percent, 8 percent and 1 percent
respectively (ibid)."

You are in a tough spot, but China and Saudi Arabia don't really offer you a worse deal than the IMF did. Your nation is somewhat lacking in resources, but there are plans to build a massive dam in a decade or two, and a large lease for an oil reserve is going to expire (The company hasn't drilled for any oil, wtf).

All three nations seem to be encouraging you to try and have a functioning stock exchange, and to allow for tax breaks for foreign investment.

Pretashinko however, actually writes what looks like a personal letter back.

>>5921116
[/i]Dear Field Marshal General,

While I personally see myself as an expert enforcer of the law and I am well regarded by my colleges, it's not often that other world leaders seek my advice on such important matters as domestic policy. I don't know if you have heard, but my country and certainly my home town, Moscow, was racked with what appeared to be unspeakable levels of crime. As such, I am best equipped to give such advice.

I understand the difficulties you are facing with the rise of vigilante mobs, prison overcrowding, and a crime wave. I know how tempting it is to resort to harsh measures to restore order and security, but I urge you to be cautious and moderate in your actions.

A lot of crime has some connection to poverty and the poor often are very capable of witnesses. Not only are impoverished people likely to be murdered, but they are likely to witnesses to murders. Trying to solve your economic problems will reduce thief and crime, while trying to get ordinary people on your side will result in a wide range of witnesses that can help you locate and arrest hardened criminals.

Second, if you have a vigilante problem it either means your law enforcement is perceived as not very good at locating criminals or your people, for unknown reasons, believe that your law enforcement isn't fair in their eyes.

The people will find it much easier to believe you seek to put their safety first, if you can work providing proper funding and training to your law enforcement, in order to make sure they can accurately locate and arrest murderers.

Having proper prisons is also going to require you to invest more money into them.[/i]

>>5921135
I do not personally know you, nor do I know your exact agenda or intentions. I also know you know very little about me or what my agenda is. Despite this, I am not so different from you. We are both in a difficult situation. I avoided another assassination attempt just this week. We both, for own reasons, believe we can trust ourselves over others to run our respective nations.

I know you are in a difficult situation. If you surround yourself with loyalists, they might be idiots or they might steal everything. If you don't surround yourself with loyalists, you might get assassinated. You are stuck either having no advisors, or worrying your advisors are trying to take advantage of you, or are just nodding along with your ideas and not informing you about dangerous threats just out of the corner of your eyes.

I hope you will find my advice helpful and relevant. I do not claim to have all the answers, nor do I intend to interfere in your internal affairs, for now at least. I only wish to share with you my experience and perspective, and to offer you my solidarity and friendship. I believe that you have the potential and the responsibility to lead your country to a better and brighter future.

P.S, I've heard rumors that other nations have foreign operatives in Ethiopia. After liquidating portions of the KGB, my own reserves of such operatives are limited, but my regime is fully capable of detecting foreign agents.

Sincerely, Pretashinko

>>5921135
>>5921137
Pretashinko is a total bro.

>>5921137
Choices Time! Pick any of the following choices

>Stock Exchange

>Tax Breaks for Foreign Investment

>Community Policing

>Prison Funding

>Law Enforcement Funding

>Intelligence Services Funding

>>5921153
>Community Policing
Offer amnesty to any vigilantes who sign up for their local, formal police force

>Law Enforcement Funding
Fund them to crush those who oppose or refuse.

>Stock Exchange
Offer foreign investors buy-ins on some of our resources to fund this.

>Intelligence Services Funding
Take Russia up on their offer.

If we can only choose one for now:
>Stock Exchange
It will enable the rest.

>>5921153
>>5921154
This is about what I was thinking. Support.

>>5921153
>>5921154
+1

>>5921154

Supporting.

What an interesting quest

Rolled 74, 65, 70, 28 = 237 (4d100)

>>5921479
>>5921330
>>5921157
>>5921154
Rolling / Loading Up Software

File: image_2024-02-09_095429921.png (1.56 MB, 2990x2848)

1.56 MB PNG

>>5921498
You spend the first quarter of the year maximizing intellectual property rights, forming a international trade council, and allowing for community policing.

In the second quarter you ensure that every single police department has a suitable number of armed members, along with some who have military grade gear. You also establish a system to protect witnesses. With remaining time and energy you setup a National Business Council.

In the third quarter someone in your administration accidently invested more into prisons.

Your debt grows about 3% a year now, up from 2%.

SA / China relations have not improved in a major way, due to your lack of interest in Foreign Investment Tax Breaks.

An unknown creditor has bought up about 5% of your debt and then lost track of it. Roughly the last 9 months of deficient spending was removed from the national debt.

Decision Time

You are in a situation where you need to decide child labor laws.

>Ban Child Labor
Considering your nation's problem with youth unemployment, this might solve problems with older youth, but cause problems for younger youth. About 60-80% of the economy is farming, so child labor is a major deal. You don't know if child labor being banned will actually affect farming, but it will likely result in improved reading skills.

>Leave the laws unchanged
Pretashinko appears to be opposed to this choice, however you suspect this choice is at least nationally more popular.

>Regulate Child Labor
This will limit child labor to around ten hours a week. This should allow children some time to work and get money for materials or help support their families, while making it possible for them to get a full education.

>News
"De Congo" is reportedly facing some major instability. Two different factions supported by Rwanda and Uganda, Tutsi factions, control about a third of the nation. The rest is controlled by a semi-elected / semi-dictator with moderate Hutu backing. Most of the southern quarter of Africa also supports the DRC State.

You are hearing reports that the DRC is splitting in two somehow, and that there is infighting within the two rebel factions. You don't know if this will trigger more fighting. Already the first and second "Congo Wars" have killed seeming millions of people.

>>5921524
>>Regulate Child Labor
We can eventually phase it out.

>>5921547

Supporting this - gradual change is probably our best bet.

Ask Pretashenko if he has more information about the fighting in the Congo - should we be concerned or highly concerned about armed militias or refugees crossing over into Ethiopia?

>>5921547
>>5921560
+1

>>5921560

Oh and a future effort to begin rooting out corruption in local law enforcement would be a good idea, per Pretashenko’s recommendation. This would have a demonstrable benefit to people on the street level and could help stabilize our political support when it comes time to hold sham? elections

Rolled 24, 17, 13, 17 = 71 (4d100)

>>5921547
>>5921560
>>5921561
>>5921568
Rolling / Loading Up Software

>>5921636
Your government is spending 6% more money than it takes in and the ongoing drought has been joined by some kind of environmental disaster. The farmers are pretty upset.

Looking over how things have changed since you entered power, you notice that crime indeed is down about 10-20% and foreign investment is up. However, the economy is slipping despite the global economy seeming to be in a good state. Your regulation on child labor seemed to negatively affect the economy.

You don't seem to have enough borrowed money and political will to do this regulation and professionalism involved with law enforcement. However, in about a week you get a letter from Pretashinko's government. It doesn't appear to be written by him. It does have a scanned version of a signature and his official seal. The letter informs you that you currently 5% of your budget on buying up foreign currencies. This confuses you, but the remaints of the civilian government inform you this policy is to provide reserves of currency in case you need to start buying up your own currency on international markets later. There is some explanation about how this is to stabilize your currency if things go wrong later.

You return to the letter and notice that it offers up a mixture of Russian bonds, Russian Rubles, and some other amounts of European currency. You notice the value is about 25% what you currently are buying up on international markets. This would save you about 1% of your budget, which could be used for police professionalism and regulation.

>Other News

What remains of the heavily censored Media, along with the usual rumors and what you hear, indicates that there are some people who are asking there be a Minimum Wage. You can't remember if there used to be a minimum wage and the legal system forgot, or the previous regime repealed the minimum wage.

A Major Backer within the regime has pulled support. They might've even left the country, you're not sure. There is considerable uptick in whispers and concerns that you are not a strong leader.

Decision Time, Part 1!

>Do you decide to go along with this possible plan of letting the Pretashinko regime provide 25% of your increased foreign currency reserves?

>Do you add a minimum wage?
Is it bare minimum, linked to detected cost of living, or none.

>>5921671
>no minimum wage
>yes to Russia-bro's FCR plan
>schedule a meeting to address this Major backer's concerns

>>5921671
>Do you decide to go along with this possible plan of letting the Pretashinko regime provide 25% of your increased foreign currency reserves?
Sure but let’s not make this a habit.
>Do you add a minimum wage?
No.

>>5921671
I dunno about Pretashinko's deal but minimum wage won't do anything but make workers who's labour is worth less than it's value unemployed. Better valued labour is accrued not decreed.

>>5921560
You start talking to your military advisor and sending letters to Pretashinko's regime. Those in the military tell you that you have thousands of troops in Liberia. Your current understanding is that a few Russian Naval Infantry and "Spetsnaz" formations were involved in the fighting in Sierra Leone and Liberia. You hear that both your forces and the Russian forces are well regarded, certainly better than the Nigerians who were a mixed bag. Both of these nations are in transitional governments and are on track to have elections in the Fall of 2005.

There is talk about a new humanitarian agency being formed in Africa. There is some disputes about what it will be called, but the most popular name translates into "Peace in Africa". The two new transitional states are pledged to be aligned with this new organization, and you are getting a lot of chatter that Tanzania is very interested as well. Tanzania has a better reputation than even you in peacekeeping, but is an impoverished state still healing the wounds of fighting (The other nation invaded them) and then trying to fix one of it's neighbors. You suspect that the Russians are major supporters of "Peace in Africa".

Your advisors point to a wall of nations between you and the DRC. Logically, they tell you Ethiopia should be fine.

It's a month or two before you start getting letters back from the Pretashinko regime. Through the news, the letters, and your own sources; you quickly learn that the DRC regime has split in two. One faction is aligned with Pretashinko and the other is the son of the previous leader. You have the general impression that both the Tusi rebel factions and the main DRC regime faction are having infighting about siding with Pretashinko or not. There are widespread pointing of fingers and accusing each other of war-crimes during the previous two wars, and trying to arrest each other.

Angola has mobilized it's military to prop up the main DRC regime, like it did in the last war. Several other nations are rumored to be planning the same.

-

>>5921691
Your military advisors and loyal generals say they can give you a military situation report.

There is no direct or even estimated account of the size of the nation's military forces, nor how big the various ethnic militias are. However, you current think that each of the four major ethnic groups can roughly muster about 20% of the available fighting forces, with the remaining 20% seeming to be mostly loyal to you.

Major Ethnic Groups
Oromo 34.5%
Amhara 26.9%
Somali 6.2%
Tigray 6.1%

You have 12% of the nations available forces as loyal "Regulars" in the Ethiopian Ground Forces. Another 8% are poorly motivated and trained militias that basically might as well be gangs in terms of ability.

The Oromo, Amhara, and a coalition of Somali and other minorities; are similar in suspected composition of forces. The biggest difference is that the their militias are just as motivated as "Regulars", being as they are ethnic militias. This higher motivation means they are less likely to run away or surrender when facing suppressive fire, wounds, and deaths.

The Tigray, who you are related to, but who you haven't courted, are terrifying. Despite their low population, they spent years or decades fighting against the oppressive regime (Two regimes ago), and as such, where other ethnic groups or you have 12% of the nations fighters as "Regulars", they have "Hardened Militia". "Hardened Militia" have the morale of Honor Guard or even Western Forces, but they fight as well as Regulars.

>>5921691
Before the year is entirely up, you learn that a war has already broken out. Many of the nations that propped up the DRC regime in the last war, have mobilized troops and some of them have moved into or deployed in the DRC. The two rebel factions and the breakaway DRC regime faction, are all engaged in fighting with the foreign nations. The areas around the capitol, which is thankfully far from you, are surrounded with pitch battles.

As news arrives, you began to hear whispers of the deployment of Russian "Hunter Seeker" Naval Infantry units. Rumors flow throughout Africa and perhaps the world of armored vehicles rushing across the jungle rivers of the DRC, driving fear into the hearts of enemy soldiers and militias. It is said that the men barely sleep and their tracked infantry carriers not only cross rivers easily, but do not get stuck in the mud. They are supplied by air-relief, captured enemy supplies, and allies. There are plenty of rumors that these units crash into the enemy lines, and then make a sharp turn, cutting off a large group of enemy troops from their supply lines.

You suspect some portion of the rumors are people telling tall tales, however you can't be certain how much.

Decision Time, Part 2

What is your regime's stance about the crisis in the DRC?

>Pledge that when a peace process happens you will see about providing to an African Union or UN deployment of peacekeepers.

>Support "Peace in Africa". Pledge that when a peace process happens you will see about providing to an African Union, UN, or PiA deployment of peacekeepers.

>Avoid the risk of making enemies, but run the risk of looking week by not having an opinion for another six months.

>Try to win favor with about a quarter of Africa, by siding with what remains of the former DRC regime.

>>5921718
>Support "Peace in Africa". Pledge that when a peace process happens you will see about providing to an African Union, UN, or PiA deployment of peacekeepers.

>>5921718

>Support "Peace in Africa". Pledge that when a peace process happens you will see about providing to an African Union, UN, or PiA deployment of peacekeepers.

This will further our alignment with Russia.

Also, this gives us a great excuse to begin professionalizing our military and conducted a legitimate census of our fighting forces - we don’t even know for sure who have available.

One future goal - developing the Ethiopian Ground Forces into a pan-ethnic nationalized fighting force that will support nat sec efforts WITHOUT the ethnic violence and poor discipline that the ethnic troops are prone

>>5921718
>>5921726
Agreed. I think we should also approach our national church to try to calm ethnic tensions between our biggest ethnic groups.

>>5921718
>Support "Peace in Africa". Pledge that when a peace process happens you will see about providing to an African Union, UN, or PiA deployment of peacekeepers.

Rolled 50, 25, 19, 68, 43, 38, 82, 13 = 338 (8d100)

>>5921740
>>5921731
>>5921726
>>5921723
>>5921677
>>5921673
Rolling / Loading Up Software

Rolled 93, 3 = 96 (2d100)

>>5921741
Realignment takes up the rest of the year and as Christmas approaches, you think about what you have achieved so far and examine what data is available to you. When you try to assess who your biggest supporters are you find they are: state employees, the poor, ethnic minorities, and retired people.

You look over what exactly happened and it seems that historically the Oromo and Tigray both claimed to be treated very badly by oppressive dictatorship that that previous regime overthrew. There are Oromo leaders hiding in Eritrea, a breakaway neighbor you made peace with only a few years ago. This faction are successionists, who claim their people were butchered and oppressed by the dictatorship, and then their resistance leaders were undermined and puppeted by the Tigray militias.

While there is a fairly popular Oromo political party within the ruling party, you notice that despite being the largest ethnic group, you don't see as many Oromo within civilian or military office as you would expect.

You decide that it's time to begin reshaping the military into a pan-ethnic nationalized fighting force, one that will both keep the country together and prevent a civil-war.

Due to a misunderstanding, your attempt to set some kind of reasonable quota for various populations in the military and a punishment system for discriminating against Oromo or Tigray (Population wise, not powerwise, you are a minority after all)... Well that attempt maybe went a little too far.

Major Effect!
The civilian section of the government has outlawed racial discrimination. Hundreds of employers and members of the government were arrested. Fines have been imposed. Loose quotas have been set for all kinds of officials, no matter what they do.

When you start looking over who is allowed to keep their job and who has been demoted or fired, you tend to find that those who have pledged loyalty to you or are within the quotas are retained.

I spent like two hours learning to code and then running numbers, so don't look at me for these following results.

For reasons you can't quite understand, you have only angered the favored groups or populations so much. Conflict among the various ethnic groups are down, by a lot.

File: image_2024-02-09_165200754.png (327 KB, 604x453)

327 KB PNG

>>5921856
It would seem that relations with neighbors have improved under your regime, improved considerable actually. These neighbors which are housing rebels or are ethnically related to various populations within your nation, appear to be encouraging and supportive of peace.

At the same time the usual forces that violently want there to be an Ethiopian national identity are pacified by your measures to strength the military and the fact that a centralized military junta is in power.

2005

As the next year dawns, you begin to realize a problem. This was supposed to be the year that elections happen, they're supposed to happen in the Fall. In order for elections to proceed properly, you're going to have to allow them and allow people to start organizing as soon as the Spring, if not sooner.

If elections happen or not, you decide it's best to check and see what your approval ratings are and which of the major political parties support you.

Ruling Party
The current ruling political party is the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF).

It consists of four political parties: Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), Amhara Democratic Party (ADP), Oromo Democratic Party (ODP) and Southern Ethiopian People's Democratic Movement (SEPDM).

The SEPDM and ODP almost certainly will back you. If there is elections, they will form a coalition and select you as the candidate for that coalition. The Oromo factions in the country are discouraging protesting and their ethnic clan leaders appear to be prepared to fight in order to maintain the current regime. The Somalians and other small groups seem in a similar situation.

This means about 40% of the nations militias can be mustered on your side, and more than half the military.

The Amhara historically have mistreated the Oromo and have been the second top ethnic group, after the very favored Tigray people. Neither the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), Amhara Democratic Party (ADP) have indicated they will support you, but they also haven't indicated they will run against you in the event of an election.

Actually, you are in a strange and unexpected condition. About a year ago you had been looking for rebels to crush, and couldn't really find any. It turns out the rebels were in Eritrea, and were Oromo successionists. However, these successionists are now willing to turn in some portion of their weapons, and register the rest as state-supporting militias. They also seek to integrate into the national military.

It comes at a cost however. They seek a great many amnesties and some of their own people will be punished, but they will be picked out by the successionists or given light punishments.

>>5921879
Decision Time, Part 1!

>Do you accept the terms they suggest to you?
If you go along with this, you will likely get almost total support from the Oromo. At the same time you might anger some Amhara or Tigray. If half of the armed men of the country aren't ready to come together, this might trigger events that could lead to fighting or even a civil-war.

Continuing 2005 Approval Rating Stuff

You have managed to please a lot of very large demographics, however when you carefully try to get some focus groups together and carefully get people to speak their mind, without protesting, questioning you too openly, or going silent out of fear... You find that your very conservative nation is worried about the extensive crime that still plagues the nation. You have also restructured your government and lost a major backer.

You also find that in some ways the nation is not ready to come back together, even groups that were being crushed before the new anti-discrimination laws, are somehow somewhat opposed to them. Over the course of a few weeks you realize it's because the anti-discrimination laws are equal, they don't protect a specific ethnic group, but all of them. Trying to make sense of the numbers the machine is spitting out.

You decide that if you can get the crime problem to be somewhat settled down before the Fall, you will win any elections that happen.

More polling
You decide to look and see if there are any issues besides the above, perhaps issues everyone is worried about.

You find notice a lot of mention of taxes being too low... but also spending being too low.... Idiotic... You can't do anything about that. People can't have state resources without paying taxes...

What else is there?

HIV/AIDS problem. How is that your fault? Is there anything you can do about that? No, the only thing that could quickly have any effect at all is dealing with crime.

Well... You could do a needle exchange problem. It would very quickly reduce the spread of AIDS. It would also make the super majority of people upset, because you're "enabling drug use". The policy would also take a year to roll out and the effects, which might cancel out the backlash, would take some fraction of a year as well.

You could just postpone the elections for another year till the crime problem mellows out and you can be responsible for the end to the crime wave, or you could postpone elections forever.

There is just two really big problems. The Media Censorship is leading to a huge uptick in corruption. So while it may make you more popular and help you even if elections do or don't happen, there is an increase in theft and bribery.

Second, the Curfews are really taking a bite out of crime, but everyone hates them.

>>5921911
>Do you accept the terms they suggest to you?
Sort of.

Ideally, if there are any ESPECIALLY egregious or infamous war criminals, we can put one or two in a big show trial in a kangaroo court prior to election, before granting amnesty or leniency to the remainder. Maybe even let the ethnic militia pick their own scapegoats.

>Other actions
Ramp up propaganda. Really sell people on the safety brought about by curfews. Start an anti-corruption campaign, and pin the crime we haven't yet stopped on the people we put on trial for war crimes and corruption. Throw our back into it and try to sell people on the idea that togetherness, unity, and cooperation with the government's initiatives is how we keep their neighborhoods safe.

"Division and sedition are tools of criminals! Opposition to curfews are a trick by those who lurk in the dark like hyenas waiting to devour stragglers! Your enemies are the ones who want those things, as we have shown clearly in our rigged trials!"

maybe start courting a new backer, too.

>>5921911
Allow elections, but rig them to make sure we win.
Keep the media censored and do the needle exchange program. We can't really do anything else without the money for it.
And we should focus on getting rid of crime when we can.

>>5921911
If you don't allow for elections now or very soon, you will have problems. Every season the major international powers of the West and Pretashinko will likely grow more and more tired of you. You will likely see an end to the increase in trade and investment, and instead see sanctions.

If you anger basically everyone too much, you risk there being a revolution, coup, or civil-war. So the curfews can only go on so long, at best till the Fall. The Media Censorship could possibly continue to towards the end of the year, past any possible election, but it's going to result in more and more theft and bribery each season.

Radical Conservatives are already been making attempts to assassinate you, because how "weak on crime" you are and how you "love criminals and fake Ethiopians".

It's time to make a decision.

Decision Time, Part 2

>Do you allow for elections? You can yes in the Spring, Summer, or Fall.
Don't worry.... You can also allow for elections and then suspend, delay or rig them later.

>Do you wait out the suggestions of Pretashinko or do you escalate things?
You have three tiers of escalation if you want.
>Hand out tazers and batons as much as you can afford.
>Give every single police officer that has been properly trained an SMG or Assault Rifle
>Merge the police and military, and send in the tanks to crush crime

You can decide to listen to Pretashink this season and then freak out and escalate closer to the Fall, if you want. Don't worry.

>Do you lift Media Censorship to preserve the state treasury from theft, or wait out a little longer, perhaps after any possible election?
You can lift it later, but once you lift it, it's lifted.

>Do you end the curfew?
You can always just do this right before elections, or you can do it early. It's up to how you think lifting it early might effect poll numbers. People would love if the curfew would end, but a lot of people really hate the crime problem.

Don't worry, you can always end the curfew in the Summer or Fall, if you don't end it now.

>>5921926
>>5921923
>Do you allow for elections? You can yes in the Spring, Summer, or Fall.
Yes. Don't even rig them... But be ready to declare the results null if they go bad.

>Merge the police and military, and send in the tanks to crush crime
It does not matter what color the cat is, only that it catches mice. People want the mice caught. Simple as.

>Do you lift Media Censorship to preserve the state treasury from theft, or wait out a little longer, perhaps after any possible election?
Don't lift it yet.

>Do you end the curfew?
Absolutely not.

>>5921926
>Do you allow for elections? You can yes in the Spring, Summer, or Fall.
Yes and in the spring.
>Hand out tazers and batons as much as you can afford.
There’s a reason we separate the police and the military. One fights our enemies, one protects our people. If we combine them, our enemies will become the people.
>Do you lift Media Censorship to preserve the state treasury from theft, or wait out a little longer, perhaps after any possible election?
Lift it.
>Do you end the curfew?
Instead of lifting it all at once, how about we slowly make the curfew later and later just to see what’ll happen first?

>>5921926
>Elections
Have them in Fall, as they're supposed to be. Rig them.
>Merge the police and military, and send in the tanks to crush crime
>Keep the Media Censorship
>Don't end the curfew

>>5921911

>Do you accept the terms they suggest to you?

No, we need to bargain with the Oromo and come to better terms, even if it pisses them off a little - we need to make a point of arresting and convicting key separatists and essentially scapegoating them so that the other ethnic groups are mollified and the vast majority of the Oromo can say “we were following orders”.

>Do you allow for elections? You can yes in the Spring, Summer, or Fall.

Have them on schedule in the fall, but as another anon noted - be prepared to declare them null and void if we lose.

>Do you wait out the suggestions of Pretashinko or do you escalate things?

>Hand out tazers and batons as much as you can afford.

More importantly - set up a bounty system for corruption so that law enforcement can report corruption to a neutral government agency and the whistleblower is entitled to 25% of any recovered funds AND immunity from prosecution. This is what the IRS does in the USA and it’s pretty effective. Ultimately we don’t need to completely crush crime - just make a big show out of some high profile arrests. If we actually make headway on the crime issue, all the better.

>Do you lift Media Censorship to preserve the state treasury from theft, or wait out a little longer, perhaps after any possible election?

See above - we need to set the media loose so that they can publicize our victories.

>Do you end the curfew?

Not yet - we do this one month to great fanfare before the Fall election for maximum benefit

>>5921911
>Terms
Negotiate more
>Elections
Fall. Rig them.
>Media
Keep censored. Censorship works in almost all instances, press freedom isn't worth the exchange. I mean if we free they press people can still just say we censor information we don't like while letting what we like be said.
Don't do needle exchange.
Set up bounties for tax evasion and corruption.

>>5921911
Was gonna write a vote but anon >>5921980 wrote it for me. A bit confused on that arresting seperatists idea though.

[Spoiler] what the fart [/Spoiler]

>>5922073
whoopsie

>>5922010
>>5922006
>>5921980
>>5921938
>>5921936
>>5921930
Elections, Tazers, Keep Curfew, Lift Media Blackout, Bounties

Rolled 21, 85, 31, 19 = 156 (4d100)

>>5922189

>>5922192
You spend the Spring and Summer trying to get your agenda through. You find that your anti-corruption program cancels out what would be the corruption from censorship. Anti-Social behavior, Vigilante mobs, and Prison overcrowding are no longer problems. This has boosted your popularity and the open media mostly is fairly favorable to you.

However, you've dodged two different Conservative assassination plots. These boost your popularity.

After another month the vigilante mobs ended and violent crime are down. During these two years the economy goes up and down and up and down. During the last two months before the election, your ministry decides to start throwing money at people to win support. They also begin cutting corporation taxes, and then income taxes. It is now just a week from the election.

The nation is a lot safer, but all your measures to make it safer have now angered those who love "liberty". The conservatives stopped trying to kill you. You've had to sack quite a few ministers, but maybe the voters will forget when they vote.

>>5922215
You dodge another assassination attempt, this time from environmentalists WTF are these software outcomes?. You decide to feed a baby lamb to try and fix things, and are also filmed in an interview on national television. You have lost two major backers before the election cycle, now you have two new replacements.

The last day before the election, you begin to hear that apparently the last few months about half of Africa has had a market panic due to the fighting around the Congo. You are hearing that the Hunter Seeker units from Pretashinko have rushed down the left side of Africa, along the coast. The Angolan capitol was attacked and it fell. Angola and Uganda fell or were forced to switch sides months ago. In June, Zambia fell and now has a Conservative regime. Burundi was couped just this week by Tanzania.

Rolled 98, 16 = 114 (2d100)

>>5922225
You have given so many speeches. Crime is a fraction of what it used to be. However, you do have your enemies. In the last few days there was a large state employee strike and your regime declared an emergency pay increase for state employees if they immediately end the strike. Taxes were cut again, the economy is on track to keep growing while Africa is having issues. Even Europe is having a slump this fall.

The election is going to take a week or even weeks, but as results come in, you find that they are not going well. Nothing makes any sense. Did the curfew get lifted too late? You decide to start trying to rig the vote and tighten up the media without warning.

>>5922254
Time to make a decision!
You have three choices.

Do not refer to anything in a spoiler, outside a spoiler.
Choice One
Your administration has generally appeared to be weighing you down. You've had to fire people who got in the way of your vision and goals, and replace them with what seem to be idiots who will listen. However, you don't really have a party to back you per say. One of the two political coalitions that you are competing with doesn't have enough votes to form their own government. They are on track to get a lot more votes than you, but far too much less than your other competitor.
If you decide to back them or pledge in writing to form a coalition with them.
You are under the impression that it's too late for rigging to make a difference, and perhaps all three parties are already doing some degree of rigging as is.
If you agree to step down as leader and support this coalition, they will pledge to make you defense minister in writing. You get to keep your personal bodyguards, all foreign policies remain in effect, and the military policy will be left as is.

Choice Two
Declare that the additional assassination attempt this week is proof that the nation isn't really safe for elections, declare that irregularities are already happening. Have a late night meeting with those in the military scared of a sudden transition, along with those most scared of the dominant political party in the elections. Convince them that democracy will result in firings, assassinations, and ethnic persecution. It's declare martial law and delay the elections, or all of you are at risk of being killed. This choice very likely will result in you being declared internationally to be a dictator.

Choice Three
You had negotiated and haggled with the Oromo successionists. You drove a hard deal, they turned over some people. They accepted your counter offer and they were allowed to return to the nation, slowly, little by little.
If you let them all come back at once and be fully armed, along with some rigging of the vote in the capitol areas.... You can make it look like half the nation is voting for one of two parties, and the other half is voting for the other.
The clan militias will not want to go very far from home, 16% of the fighting men are clan militia for them and 16% for you.
They will have 12% of the nations men as Regulars and 12% as "Hardened Militia".
You will have 36% as Regulars
You are very likely to win or fight to a draw, but the war will ravage the nation. You might only get half of the nation if you fight to a draw, and half if you win but too much is destroyed.

>>5922268
>Choice One

>>5922268
>Choice Two
So we either step down, become a dictator (we already are lol), or have a civil war?
Can you tell us what the two other parties are and what they represent? Which one would be open to coalition talks?

>>5922268
>Choice Two
The west can bitch and moan all they want.

>>5922268
Choice One
We can maybe win the next election or coup the leader if he fucks up

>>5922268
>Choice Two
no elections 4 u

>>5922268
>Choice Two

>>5922268

>Choice One

by pulling a George Washington, we can set a good example, and then win the next round of elections occurs, we can assemble a winning coalition

>>5922268
>Choice Two

I'm back and excluding the new IPs I've never seen before, I think it's a tie.

>>5922268
Choice One

>>5922277
>>5922304
>>5922381
>>5922392
>>5922399
>>5922445
>>5922456
>>5922508
>>5923143
>>5923173
You declare that there has been startling amount of assassin attempts made on you. You declare that there have been irregularities and you can't tell what the actual count should be. The media presents an array of real, but carefully picked survey results and ballot information. Your propaganda campaign mostly consists of a possibly true or false narrative that the picture being draw by the current ballots, doesn't make any logical sense.

Logically, you positioned yourself as a law and order candidate. You set your administration towards solving the crime problem. There was repeated attempts to assassinate you by radical conservatives, who didn't say anything about being upset about family values or religious reasons. Polling indicated what made conservatives mad, was not solving the crime problem faster. The media tries to in a fake impartial way, make it look like they're trying to independently understand what was happening. They say that your reaction of tightening up security was an attempt to protect yourself and others, a very human response, but also an attempt to solve the crime problem fast enough to get the conservatives to stop being so mad.

And finally, the narrative goes, now that you have created such a solution to crime, to the point you are getting assassination attempts by "Liberty lovers", the bags of ballots that come in are more predominately for one political party, over yours. The general idea being spun is... If you worked so hard to cater to the desires of conservatives, to the point of making liberals so mad, why didn't the conservatives vote for you more?

Why does the polling results say that you need to be even tougher on crime, when you just lifted a curfew and the media black out hasn't been lifted that long?

The media message being spun also includes a narrative that either these ballots are fake, voters are confused, or voters are not voting based on principles, but they are voting based on race and clan relations.... All of these problems indicate the nation isn't quite ready for democracy.

Rolled 37, 11, 90, 92 = 230 (4d100)

>>5923487

>>5923488
There is a lot of deliberation. Your closest supporters are behind you completely and they don't like the results either.

In truth, the media spin is just that, a spin. However, truthfully, you don't understand what results there are so far. You were expecting that you might have to suspend elections, and you had your thoughts of adjusting the count or rigging the election. Some of your supporters had private thoughts or words about this, but you didn't directly indicate what your personal opinion was. You expected that what happened could happen, but what you didn't expect was that you wouldn't be showing up as a strong second place.

You actually think it's possible that the nation isn't ready. The results only make sense if most people are voting on purely ethnic lines, or if they are unhappy they vote for one of the other two parties, with no thinking about if things would actually improve. What polling you can manage to do indicates that some people expect complete security and yet far more liberty than was even possible under the previous regime, let alone yours. Other polling, along with the assassination attempts, indicate that people think that trying to shoot or blow up the police, will somehow make the nation safer from crime.

Decision Time

>1. You decide to declare (somewhat truthfully) that you are not certain what percentage of votes are real and what percentage are fake.
Declare that the problem is serious enough, that ballots that don't make sense are showing up in a wide range of areas. In other words, you're going to say that any of the three parties could've won. You're going to say that not only was there fake ballots, but people were making fake ballots for other parties, in order to cause confusion. You're going to hold up a ballot cast for you and say it's fake, and that it was cast in a region you know doesn't support you.

>2. Same as 1, only you make it sound like the areas you expected to mostly support you, did mostly support you. However, the areas that mostly didn't support you, had a suspiciously high percentage o votes against
In other words, the areas you had most of your support in, had a healthy and fair amount of people with different opinions. The areas that would mostly not support you, had a very consistent and unrandom array of the exact same opinion.

>3. Put everything on pause and bring in a third party. Not to oversee the election and observe it, but to do anonymous polling, and collection data more accurate to what a legitimate tally would be.
This will be in a small portion of the nation that you aren't certain if they would back you or mostly oppose you. It is possible that this data will let you know if people are actually voting in a consistent way, or if they want the impossible. This data almost might allow you to have some turnover in officials, and possibly some local government.

>>5924656
>3. Put everything on pause and bring in a third party. Not to oversee the election and observe it, but to do anonymous polling, and collection data more accurate to what a legitimate tally would be.

>>5924662
>>5922277
me btw just in case

>>5924656
>1. You decide to declare (somewhat truthfully) that you are not certain what percentage of votes are real and what percentage are fake

>>5924656

>3. Put everything on pause and bring in a third party. Not to oversee the election and observe it, but to do anonymous polling, and collection data more accurate to what a legitimate tally would be.

This is a good option for further stalling - negotiate this agreement slowly so we have time to build on our political support!

>>5924656
>>2. Same as 1, only you make it sound like the areas you expected to mostly support you, did mostly support you. However, the areas that mostly didn't support you, had a suspiciously high percentage o votes against

>>5924656
>>2. Same as 1, only you make it sound like the areas you expected to mostly support you, did mostly support you. However, the areas that mostly didn't support you, had a suspiciously high percentage o votes against
>In other words, the areas you had most of your support in, had a healthy and fair amount of people with different opinions. The areas that would mostly not support you, had a very consistent and unrandom array of the exact same opinion.

>>5924656
>3. Put everything on pause and bring in a third party. Not to oversee the election and observe it, but to do anonymous polling, and collection data more accurate to what a legitimate tally would be.

>>5924656
>3. Put everything on pause and bring in a third party. Not to oversee the election and observe it, but to do anonymous polling, and collection data more accurate to what a legitimate tally would be.

>1 + 3

Rolled 83, 10, 14, 51 = 158 (4d100)

I don't know if you noticed, but I generally don't like letting new voters break ties. I ran the numbers and did some math, ran some software, but a lot of things went wrong. However, we finally got some results thanks to other, new software.

Also, it turned out that the IRL 2005 election was more rigged than even I thought. The results we were getting through software, likely were too close to free and fair results.
>>5924662
>>5924699
>>5924777
>>5924764
Polling time.

>>5926633
The results are starting to make sense, you had managed to shatter the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF).

The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) put forward a different Tigray, one who had been more closely groomed by the previous regime's leader.

The Amhara Democratic Party (ADP) and Southern Ethiopian People's Democratic Movement (SEPDM)... Were all split down the middle, unsure if they should be backing you or the other person running for office.

The Oromo Democratic Party (ODP) almost completely supported you.

The Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) and the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) represent a good percentage of Oromo, the urban areas, Somalis, other smaller ethnic groups and some of the Amhara.

----

In other words, what did you in, was the two traditional opposition parties split the "stepped upon peoples" vote, you and a past-regime candidate split your own political party, and the Tigray almost entirely didn't back you.

Oddly enough, if you had the support of the Tigray or had managed to get either of the opposition parties to merge with you... You'd likely have won the election "fairly".... Woops...

Decision Time

>Reform the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, but without the Tigray party.
This will include all the usual tactics that would've been put in place if the previous leader had never been assassinated. This includes the tactics used by the Tigray candidate.

>Win over enough of the two opposition parties or their voters, or get them to agree to a coalition.
This will require more federalism and power to the Oromo (From very little to about 25% or 33%) and minorities, along with replacing or firing plenty of Tirgray leaders (They'll make up around 12% of the state).

This has high odds of making the Tigray party and their military leaders very very upset.

Bonus Decision Time, for no specific reason

>Do you do a purge disloyal Tigray officers, and their supporter officers?
This increases the risk of a rebellion or civil-war, along with the risk of losing possible supporters. However, it has a good chance of preventing a possible Tigray rebellion from having effective leaders.

>Do you subtlety place the approval of foreign investor tax breaks and support of Pretashinko's interest in the UN, African Union; to be subject to recognition of legitimacy and either military aid/training or at least artillery support.

>>5926647
>Reform the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, but without the Tigray party.
>Do you do a purge disloyal Tigray officers, and their supporter officers? Yes.
>Do you subtlety place the approval of foreign investor tax breaks and support of Pretashinko's interest in the UN, African Union; to be subject to recognition of legitimacy and either military aid/training or at least artillery support. Yes.

>>5926647
>Win over enough of the two opposition parties or their voters, or get them to agree to a coalition.
>purge disloyal Tigray officers, and their supporter officers
>subtlety place the approval of foreign investor tax breaks and support of Pretashinko's interest in the UN, African Union; to be subject to recognition of legitimacy and either military aid/training or at least artillery support.

>>5926713

Supporting this one. Tigray represents a minority of the population and I’d prefer that we instead lock down one of the bigger ethnic groups

>>5926794
This is me, btw. Was on mobile.

>>5926647
>Reform the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, but without the Tigray party.
>Do you do a purge disloyal Tigray officers, and their supporter officers?
No.
>Do you subtlety place the approval of foreign investor tax breaks and support of Pretashinko's interest in the UN, African Union; to be subject to recognition of legitimacy and either military aid/training or at least artillery support.
Sure.

Rolled 52, 26, 92, 6 = 176 (4d100)

>>5926882
>>5926809
>>5926713
Rolling and loading up better software.

>>5926809
Small but deadly, with outsized influence, and we're one of them. But I get your point and agree.

>>5926961
Ethiopia’s ruling coalition splits amid power struggle!
>How the new regime is attempt to reorganize domestic power and encourage foreign investment.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - The Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), the ruling coalition that has dominated Ethiopian politics for nearly three decades, has announced a major reshuffle that excludes the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), one of its founding members.

The move comes after months of tension and infighting within the EPRDF, which is composed of four ethnic-based parties: the TPLF, the Oromo Democratic Party (ODP), the Amhara Democratic Party (ADP), and the Southern Ethiopian People’s Democratic Movement (SEPDM).

According to a statement issued by the EPRDF, the reshuffle is aimed at “strengthening the unity and cohesion” of the coalition and “enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency” of the government. The statement also said that the TPLF had “refused to cooperate” with the reform agenda initiated by "The General", who formed an "Emergency Military Government" last year.

The TPLF, which represents the Tigray minority that makes up about 6% of Ethiopia’s population, has been accused of holding disproportionate power and influence within the EPRDF and the state apparatus. The TPLF led the armed struggle that toppled the socialist regime of Mengistu Haile Mariam in 1991 and formed the EPRDF with other rebel groups.

However, since "The General's" rise to power, the TPLF has been sidelined and marginalized by the new leadership, which has embarked on a series of political and economic reforms that have challenged the status quo. "The General's", who is a member of the Tigray group, but supposedly has Oromo members in his family via marriage, has released thousands of political prisoners, lifted a state of emergency, restored diplomatic relations with neighboring Eritrea, and opened up the economy to foreign investment.

The TPLF has criticized "The General's" reforms as “hasty and reckless” and accused him of undermining the federal system that grants autonomy to Ethiopia’s regions. The TPLF has also resisted Abiy’s efforts to merge the EPRDF into a single national party, saying that it would erode the rights and identities of the ethnic groups.

>>5927048
Ethiopia’s ruling coalition splits amid power struggle, Continued from Page 8

"The General" metaphorically, not literally, "fired back" with an array of accusations that the TPLF has "systematically discriminated against the minority populations and the large Oromo population as well".

The rift between the TPLF and the rest of the EPRDF came to a head last week, when "The General" ordered a purge of suspected TPLF loyalists from the military and security forces, citing a plot to overthrow his government. However, the purge also targeted several religious leaders who were seen as sympathetic to the TPLF, sparking outrage and protests among their followers.

The TPLF has denounced the purge as a “political witch-hunt” and a “declaration of war” against the people of Tigray. The TPLF has also vowed to defend its interests and autonomy by any means necessary, raising fears of a possible armed confrontation with the federal government.

Meanwhile, "The General’s" policy of offering tax breaks and incentives to foreign investors has attracted more foreign investment to Ethiopia, especially from China, Turkey, and the Gulf states. However, the policy has also angered some nationalists and patriots, who see it as a sell-out of Ethiopia’s sovereignty and resources. Some critics have also questioned the sustainability and transparency of the foreign-funded projects, which have been accused of causing environmental and social problems.

The EPRDF’s reshuffle and the TPLF’s exclusion have raised concerns about the stability and unity of Ethiopia, which is home to more than 100 million people and more than 80 ethnic groups. Ethiopia is also facing several challenges, such as ethnic conflicts, poverty, unemployment, inflation, and a locust invasion that threatens food security.

Analysts say that "The General’s" reforms have opened up a Pandora’s box of long-suppressed grievances and aspirations, which could either lead to a more democratic and prosperous Ethiopia or a more fragmented and violent one.

>>5927049
Ethiopia's 'General' faces crisis as doctors and teachers strike

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - Ethiopia's newly elected Prime Minister, known as "The General" for his role in leading the emergency government from 2004 to 2005, is facing a major challenge as doctors and teachers across the country have gone on strike for three months, demanding better pay and working conditions.

The strike, which has been largely unnoticed by the public and the government due to an accident or censorship, was triggered by the opening of freedoms last year and the low wages of the professionals, who say they cannot afford the rising cost of living.

The strike has crippled the health and education sectors, leaving millions of Ethiopians without access to essential services. Many patients have died or suffered complications due to the lack of medical care, while many students have missed out on their exams and lessons.

The General, who won the elections in November by forming a coalition of the three non-Tigray parties of the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and some members of the two opposition parties, has not yet addressed the strike or met with the representatives of the doctors and teachers.

The General's spokesperson, Gedion Timotheos, said the government was aware of the strike and was working on a solution, but did not give any details or timeline.

"The government respects the right of the doctors and teachers to express their grievances peacefully, but also urges them to consider the impact of their strike on the lives and education of the people," Timotheos said in a statement.

However, the doctors and teachers have vowed to continue their strike until their demands are met. They are asking for an increase in their salaries, as well as improved working conditions, such as adequate equipment, supplies, and security.

"We are not asking for luxury, we are asking for dignity," said Dr. Illili Jamal, one of the leaders of the strike. "We have been working under very difficult circumstances for years, risking our lives and health, but we have not seen any improvement or recognition from the government. We are tired of being exploited and neglected."

Illili said the doctors and teachers were ready to negotiate with the government, but they had not received any invitation or response from the authorities.

"We are not enemies of the state, we are citizens who want to serve our people and our country, but we also need to survive and support our families," Illili said.

The strike has also sparked solidarity from other sectors, such as lawyers, engineers, and journalists, who have staged their own protests or issued statements in support of the doctors and teachers.

The General, who came to power after the assassination of former Prime Minister Meles Zenawi in 2004, is widely credited for restoring stability and security in the country, which was facing a civil war, a famine, and a border conflict with Eritrea.

>>5927063
Ethiopia's 'General' faces crisis as doctors and teachers strike, Continued from Page 10
However, he has also been criticized for his authoritarian and militaristic style of governance, which has suppressed dissent, violated human rights, and marginalized ethnic minorities, especially the Tigrayans, who were the dominant force in the EPRDF.

The General's coalition, which won 60% of the seats in the parliament, faces a strong opposition from the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which refused to join the coalition and accused the General of rigging the elections and persecuting the Tigrayans.

The TPLF, which controls the northern Tigray region, has also denounced the strike and blamed the General for the crisis.

"The strike is a result of the General's failure to address the economic and social problems of the country, which have worsened under his rule," said Gen Tsadkan Gebretensae, the leader of the TPLF. "The General has no legitimacy or vision to lead Ethiopia, he only cares about his own power and interests."

Gen Tsadkan, who was a former ally of the General and the chief of staff of the Ethiopian army, defected to the TPLF in 2005 after a disagreement over the border dispute with Eritrea. He is now considered one of the most influential and respected figures in the Tigray region and the TPLF.

The strike has also raised concerns among Ethiopia's neighbors and international partners, who fear that the crisis could escalate into violence and instability, affecting the peace and security of the Horn of Africa.

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has called on all parties to resolve the strike through dialogue and respect for human rights.

"The UN stands ready to support an all-inclusive and nationally owned dialogue, peace, security, and reconciliation process in Ethiopia," Guterres said in a statement.

The strike is expected to continue until the government and the doctors and teachers reach an agreement or a compromise, but so far, there is no sign of a breakthrough or a dialogue.

Okay, I think we overdid it via the software..... But I guess it's a bit of a dramatic return to form.
>>5927064
Decision Time!

The General sat in his office, surrounded by his advisors, who had just read the news article about the strike. He looked at them expectantly, hoping to hear some good ideas on how to deal with the situation.

"Sir, this is a serious crisis," said Alemayehu, his chief of staff. "The strike is affecting the lives of millions of people and the reputation of your government. You need to act quickly and decisively."

"What do you suggest?" The General asked.

>"I suggest you use force to end the strike,"
Alemayehu said. "You have the authority and the power to do so. You can declare a state of emergency, deploy the army and the police, and arrest the leaders of the strike. You can also shut down the media and the internet, and prevent any further protests or solidarity actions. This way, you can restore order and stability, and show the people who is in charge."

The General gave a blank stare through his pair of aviator shades. Use of violence and repression. He had done so in the past, when he faced a civil war and a famine, but he had hoped to avoid it in the future. He had also promised to open up the political space and respect human rights, after winning the elections. He wondered how the people, the opposition, and the international community would react to such a move.

"Thank you, Alemayehu." The General said. "What about you, Selamawit? What do you think?"

Selamawit, his finance minister, cleared her throat.
>"Sir, I think you should negotiate with the doctors and teachers, and try to reach a compromise,"
she said. "You cannot afford to ignore their demands, nor to meet them fully. You have to find a middle ground."

"What kind of compromise?" The General asked.

"Well, you can offer them a reasonable increase in their salaries, say, 10 or 20%, instead of 50%. You can also promise to improve their working conditions gradually, as the economy improves. You can also appeal to their patriotism and professionalism, and ask them to resume their work for the sake of the country and the people. You can also involve some mediators, such as religious leaders, civil society groups, or even the UN, to facilitate the dialogue and build trust. This way, you can end the strike peacefully and amicably, and show the people that you are a leader who listens and cares."

The General nodded. He liked the idea of negotiation and compromise. He had done so in the past, when he resolved the border dispute with Eritrea, and formed a coalition with some of the opposition parties. He wondered how the doctors and teachers, and their supporters, would respond to such an offer.

"Thank you." The General said.

>>5927085
>"Sir, I think you should negotiate with the doctors and teachers, and try to reach a compromise,"

File: image_2024-02-15_170813416.png (20 KB, 386x236)

20 KB PNG

A mysterious man in a great coat sat at the table as well. His accent was very obvious when he spoke English. He opened up a manilla folder and was flipping through some documents or notes he had.

"Comrade General," the man started. "I have some ideas for how you can raise more revenue from the capitalists who are exploiting your workers and your country. Here are four possible taxes you can consider:"

>"An empty house tax
is a tax on residential properties that are left vacant for a certain period of time, usually more than six months. This tax aims to discourage speculation, increase housing supply, and reduce homelessness."

He flipped to the next page.

"Some countries and cities that have implemented this tax include Canada, Australia, France, and the UK. The benefits of this tax are that it can generate income for the government, encourage more efficient use of land and housing, and address social and environmental issues. The drawbacks are that it can be difficult to define and measure vacancy, enforce compliance, and avoid unintended consequences, such as reduced investment, increased rents, or displacement of owners."

>"A tax on very large supersized stores
is a tax on retail outlets that exceed a certain size or floor area, usually measured in square feet or meters. This tax aims to level the playing field between big-box retailers and smaller local businesses, and to mitigate the negative impacts of large-scale retail development on the environment, traffic, and community. Some countries and regions that have implemented this tax include France, Germany, and the US. The benefits of this tax are that it can generate income for the government, support small and medium enterprises, and preserve the character and diversity of local areas."

He squinted and went silent, before scanning the other page.

"The drawbacks are that it can be seen as discriminatory, anti-competitive, or protectionist, and that it can reduce consumer choice, convenience, and savings."

>>5927091
>>5927088
Adding the empty house tax to this.

>>5927091
>An automation tax
is a tax on the use of machines or technology that replace human labor in certain tasks or sectors. This tax aims to slow down the pace of automation, compensate the workers who are displaced by it, and fund the education and training of new skills. Some countries and organizations that have proposed or debated this tax include South Korea, the EU, and the US."

Page flip. Squint.

"The benefits of this tax are that it can generate income for the government, protect the rights and welfare of workers, and encourage innovation and productivity. The drawbacks are that it can be hard to define and measure automation, discourage investment and growth, and create inefficiencies and distortions in the market."

>A diverted profits tax
is a tax on the profits that are shifted out of a country by multinational corporations through artificial or contrived arrangements that exploit the tax rules or avoid taxation. This tax aims to prevent the erosion of the tax base, ensure that the profits are taxed where the economic activities take place, and deter aggressive tax planning. Some countries that have implemented this tax include the UK, Australia, and India.

Squint, scanning of page, page flip.

"The benefits of this tax are that it can generate income for the government, protect the sovereignty and fairness of the tax system, and promote transparency and accountability. The drawbacks are that it can be complex and uncertain, conflict with existing tax treaties or laws, and trigger disputes or retaliation from other countries."

He then closed his folder and looked over at The General, blinking at him a few times.

"These are some of the options you have, Comrade General. Each one has its pros and cons, and you must weigh them carefully before you decide. I hope this helps you with your dilemma. Any of these taxes can be softened by subsidies to various industries. For example, the automation tax might cause some damage to your technology level, but funding the schools better, along with later increased funding for science can mitigate almost all of the negative effects."

Some of the officials at the table looked horrified at the moment, possibly by this new advisor or by the idea of new taxes.

>"Are you considering any of these new taxes?"

>"Would you prefer to borrow the money for the next three months and consider the taxes afterward?"

>"Or perhaps you'd like to put one or more of the taxes in place, but with softening three months later?
I can spend the next three months forming a team to look at possible ways to encourage growth of small business, to offset the reduction made to big box stores."

Pick either of the two reactions to the protestors, then pick if you want any of the taxes, and how you might pay for them.

>The option to make the worker's rights laws much more in favor of employers is off the table as you risk losing the support of some of your political party, and Pretashinko.

>>5927085
>negotiate with the teachers

>>5927098
>A diverted profits tax
Guve a little, get a little. We opened up our industries, resources, and markets. We just want to keep SOME of the profits of this, to keep a stable government in place. We can use this to pay the teachers and doctors.

>Negotiate with the Help of Religious Leaders
>Empty House Tax
>Automation Tax
>Diverted Profits Tax
>Form Small Business Team
>Form Better Relations with All Ethiopian Political Parties
>Ask for Help from Russia dealing with Locusts

>>5927127
This is me, back on a stable IP again.

>>5927088
>>5927127
>>5927141
Rolling and Using Software. Voting yes or no on the rest of it is still ongoing.

>>5927169
The General looked at his advisors, who had given him different options on how to deal with the strike. He thought for a while, and then made his decision.

"I have decided to negotiate with the doctors and teachers, and try to reach a compromise," The General announced. "I think this is the best way to end the strike peacefully and amicably, and to show the people that I am a leader who listens and cares."

The advisors nodded, some more enthusiastically than others. Alemayehu, who had suggested using force, looked disappointed and worried. Selamawit, who had suggested negotiating, looked pleased and relieved.

The Russian advisor, who had been silent until then, spoke up.

"Comrade General, I congratulate you for your wise and courageous decision," he said in his thick accent. "You have shown that you are not afraid of dialogue and compromise, and that you respect the rights and welfare of your workers. You have also avoided unnecessary violence and repression, which could have provoked more resistance and resentment from the people, the opposition, and the international community. You have made a good choice, Comrade General."

The General smiled and thanked the Russian advisor for his words. However, he wondered what his motives and interests were.

Rolled 79, 2, 98, 31 = 210 (4d100)

>>5927169
Forgot to roll

>>5928753
Ethiopian Leader Strikes a Deal with Protesters

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia -

After weeks of unrest and demonstrations, the leader of Ethiopia, known as "The General", has reached a historic agreement with the striking teachers and doctors of his nation. The General has signed a document that guarantees increased funding for state education and state health, as well as improved working conditions and salaries for the protesters.

The General, who came to power after the assassination of the Prime Minister in 2004, has faced growing criticism and opposition from various sectors of society, especially the educated and professional classes. Many have accused him of being a dictator and a human rights violator, and have demanded democratic reforms and free elections.

However, the General has also gained some support and admiration from other segments of the population, especially the poor, the ethnic minorities and the rural communities. He has implemented several social and economic policies that have improved the living standards and reduced the poverty of millions of Ethiopians. He has also strengthened the national security and defense of the country, and has maintained good relations with neighboring countries and regional allies. Tourists and locals mention that the nation seems to be a lot safer than it was the previous two years.

The General has stated that he is willing to compromise and listen to the demands of the people, as long as they are reasonable and beneficial for the nation. He has also expressed his commitment to maintain the stability and unity of Ethiopia, and to prevent any foreign interference or influence.

When asked how he will come up with the money to fund the new deal, the General said that his government is going to try a mixture of an empty house tax, a diverted profits tax, and possibly an automation tax. He explained that these taxes are aimed at reducing the inequality and the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few elites, and at promoting the social and economic development of the majority of the people.

>>5928800

He also said that his administration is worried that the automation tax will depress technological research in the country, so half the money from it is going to state education and the other half to fund research labs. He said that he wants to encourage innovation and scientific progress in Ethiopia, and to make it a leader in the fields of biotechnology, manufacturing, clothing and defense industry.

The General's announcement has been met with mixed reactions from the public and the media. Some have praised him for his pragmatism and his willingness to negotiate and compromise. They have also expressed their hope that this deal will mark the beginning of a new era of peace and prosperity for Ethiopia. Others have criticized him for his opportunism and his lack of sincerity. They have also expressed their doubt that he will fulfill his promises and respect his commitments. They have also warned that this deal will not solve the underlying problems and conflicts that plague the country, and that more radical and fundamental changes are needed.

The international community has also reacted to the news of the deal. Some countries, especially in Eastern Europe and Africa, have congratulated the General and the protesters for reaching a peaceful and constructive solution. They have also offered their support and assistance to help Ethiopia implement the deal and achieve its goals. Other countries, especially in Western Europe and North America, have expressed their skepticism and concern about the deal. They have also urged the General to respect the human rights and the democratic aspirations of the Ethiopian people, and to allow more freedom and transparency in the country.

>>5928801
"The General" sits at his desk and looks over the documents before him. It has been six months since he agreed to compromise with the strikers. The government is spending more than it makes, but it's on track to over about another year or so start having a balanced budget. While the money was set aside for education and health, it's taking it's sweet time getting to the teachers and doctors. This has caused some of them to stop striking and others to be fired and replaced, but the strike is still ongoing.

He had a discussion with his ministers about cutting something, but while they were being very tough on crime, crime was constantly threatening to get out of hand again. The process of reforming the police was ongoing, but it was showing promising results.

There wasn't any clear places they could tax more, they couldn't cut the military or health or education or infrastructure.

Thus, unless "The General" decided otherwise, he couldn't try to push for any new taxes or any new major spending. Somewhere while he was busy a "disability benefit", a token one at least, had gone into effect. There had also been a "Business Startup Campaign" which wasn't really that expensive and would at least win favor with some voters, without angering others. The "Disability Benefit" was reasonably popular as well, thankfully.

>>5928815
Decision Time Upcoming!

"Prime Minister!", your advisor addresses you. "We have multiple opportunities to work on issues that we were ignoring while we were dealing with crime and then the election, and then the striking."

He places a few folders on your desk and then turns them around so you can see them.

"We could try looking into housing." Your advisor explains "Right now we have mostly private housing, however, the government has the power to get into state housing or to allow people for the construction of group homes or shared ownership apartment blocks. We can ignore these policies, we can implement them as an additional source of income, such as building and selling houses or group homes.... Or we could implement them and have them be cost neutral... If we want to really appease yhe poor and socialist."

He then puts down another folder and turns it around so you can see the title.

"Or we can do a review of the military first," he blinks at you. "What do you want to start with?

Decision Time!!!!

>Do you want to start up State Housing? If so, do you want it to be a revenue source or cost neutral?
State Housing's biggest downside is it might annoy "Capitalists", but it will please other people and will have no negative effect on foreign relations or investment.

>Do you want to implement laws about co-ownership of group homes or apartment buildings? Do you want it to be a source of revenue or cost neutral?
This policy will depress foreign investment somewhat, but appears to be popular with the poor and middle class. The Rich aren't even bothered by it.

>I want to focus on reviewing the military first and then switch over to examining housing later.

>>5928820
>I want to focus on reviewing the military first and then switch over to examining housing later.
Surely there must be something we’re spending unnecessary money on. Lets check that first then come back to the housing.

>>5928831

Supporting, I’m sure our military budget is like 50% corruption

>>5928820
>>Do you want to start up State Housing? If so, do you want it to be a revenue source or cost neutral?

>>5928820
>I want to focus on reviewing the military first and then switch over to examining housing later.

I can only assume our military will be like any other in Africa: a mixture of machetes, spears, wooden kalash-carvings, actual poorly maintained AKs, random hunting rifles, & Toyota pickup trucks.
>Audit the Military
And if feasible, buy/repair/construct more technicals & mortars. If we can't afford those, horse-drawn Tchankas will do. We should keep any experienced military men and divert child-soldiers to agriculture & skool.

>>5929176
If this Ethiopia is like the real one, it's better-equipped than average for a Black African state. This is a country that has only been briefly exposed to colonial conquest. They fought in the Korean War and have an Air Force. They're not a great power by any means, but they were considered a rising one prior to their recent turmoil, and with good reason. It's why they can just tell Egypt "we're damming the Nile" and Egypt doesn't just kick their teeth in.

Rolled 4, 63, 96, 96 = 259 (4d100)

>>5929193
Going forward, your votes are worth slightly more. If you are part of a tie, your side wins.
>>5929176
>>5928831
Rolling and software.

>>5929200
The General turned to his military advisor, who had been silent until then. He wanted to know the status and the strength of his army, which was loyal to him and his government.

"Tell me, Berhanu, how are our forces doing?" The General asked.

"Sir, our forces are in a moderate condition," Berhanu said. "They are somewhere between a light, defensive military and well trained. They have enough equipment and supplies, but not enough manpower and mobility. They have some experience and discipline, but not enough morale and loyalty. They are capable of defending our territory and interests, but not of launching an offensive or a counterattack."

"What about the corruption and the efficiency?" The General asked.

"Sir, the corruption is at the level we expected, but it is down by 20% compared to last year," Berhanu said. "This means that the money we spend on the army is being used somewhat more efficiently. We have reduced the waste and the fraud, and increased the accountability and the transparency. We have also improved the procurement and the maintenance of the equipment and the supplies."

"What about the Tigray troops?" The General asked.

"Sir, the Tigray troops are the most disloyal and the most risky of our forces," Berhanu said. "They have fought in the recent wars, but they have also developed a lot of resentment and ambition. They are not loyal to you or your government, but to the Tigray People's Liberation Front, which is your main opposition and enemy. They make up about 20, maybe 25% of our army, but they are also the most likely to defect or rebel. They are the biggest threat to our peace and security."

"Thank you, Berhanu, for your report," The General said. "You have given me a clear picture of our army. I appreciate your honesty and your loyalty."

>>5929206
The General looked over the other information that was currently available to him. In the last two years, the economy had grown 12%, so about 6% per year. The average worker worked 80% as much and made 120% as much in terms of wages. Regardless of how the General personally felt about this, he was aware that his government had managed to Shepard economic growth, alongside more free time and better wages.

With all hope the socialists within the various political factions would be pleased, and the investors, capitalists would be satiated by the economic growth. He flipped through the documents to see if there was any good news to appease the conservatives and the patriots.

"Hmm," he thought to himself. "Abortions are down 50% and tourism is up 40%.Immigration was up 10%, emigration was down 10%. Corruption was down 8-9%, even accounting for the strict measures and the tighter control of the media.
>>5928820
Decision Time!

Decision Time!!!!

>Do you want to start up State Housing? If so, do you want it to be a revenue source or cost neutral?
State Housing's biggest downside is it might annoy "Capitalists", but it will please other people and will have no negative effect on foreign relations or investment.

>Do you want to implement laws about co-ownership of group homes or apartment buildings? Do you want it to be a source of revenue or cost neutral?
This policy will depress foreign investment somewhat, but appears to be popular with the poor and middle class. The Rich aren't even bothered by it.

>I want to skip this housing thing, I don't care.

>>5929193
Good point, Ethiopia did defeat Il Duce, but then again this is a different timeline.

QM, can we invest into Ghana-ean power armor & advanced tanks? Look them up if you're unfamiliar.

>>5929200
>Going forward, your votes are worth slightly more. If you are part of a tie, your side wins.
Not necessary, QM, but thanks for the thought. I'm just big into forgotten empires.

>>5929216
How bad is our housing situation? I'm inclined to maintain the status quo. Maybe court a Chinese construction firm to build some houses, if anything, as a way to create housing while courting foreign investment, and getting Beijing on-side.

>>5929216
>Do you want to implement laws about co-ownership of group homes or apartment buildings? Do you want it to be a source of revenue or cost neutral?
Sure, let em be built. Make it a source of revenue while we’re at it for now. Maybe once we’re comfortably earning more than we’re spending we can make it cost neutral.

>>5929247
>>5929216
Oh, and I’m voting against state housing.

>>5929216
>>Do you want to start up State Housing? If so, do you want it to be a revenue source or cost neutral?

>>5929216
>>skip state housing
>>5929220
tf is power armor

>>5929781
https://youtu.be/B21DoFCVLuM
it's, uh, not great

Rolled 83, 86, 18, 45 = 232 (4d100)

>>5929781
>>5929249
>>5929284
>>5929247
>>5929236
>>5929220
Rolling and loading up software.

>>5929812
Three months pass and it seems that, at least according to reports, the budget is getting closer to being balanced. General popularity seems to be a reasonable place, enough to keep down dissent and even provide enough natural supporters to prop up the regime.

>New Mechanic! Legitimacy!

In the event of a civil-war or a revolution or rebellion, legitimacy becomes very important. It decides how much people in the nation and abroad view you as a possible government or the legitimate government.

There normally are four ways to get legitimacy. The first two are: holding the majority of the major urban areas and holding the majority of the important locations. The other two ways to get legitimacy involve other factions, so they are: having a high reputation with the United Nations and with the African Union.

New Faction Ability Unlocked!
Your regime has the ability to provide troops to peacekeeping missions abroad. Currently this provides you +1 legitimacy

Decision Time

Will "The General" continue to have this as his nickname? Will he switch to be being named after a dangerous animal, an exciting adjective, or perhaps a higher sounding rank?

>>5930016
New nickname:
>The Marshal

>>5930016
Either keep The General or have the new nickname The Marshal.

>>5930016

Why not something less martial, such as “the Premier” or “the President”? Both sound more like typical heads of government instead of a regional warlord

>>5930016
+1 to >>5930154

>>5930165
If it's good enough for George Washington, it's good enough for us.

>>5930046
+1

Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>5930046
>>5930154
>>5930165
>>5930177
>>5930280
Rolling

>>5930344
Damn.

>>5930344
New Major Factions unlocked
The United Nations
>African Union

Major Factions have "Objectives", which are like big picture goals. They also have "Wants", which if fulfilled cause them to provide immediate rewards.

>African Union
The African Union usually has the Objectives to maintain stability and prop up the government or the most legitimate faction. They prop up failing states like Somalia, but sometimes help protect civilians from unpopular dictators who manage to upset a whole region of Africa, and even sometimes help topple extremely unpopular dictators or regimes.

Helping the AU secure it's Objectives (Regional Stability, One Government per nation) will gain your regime Legitimacy. They also will likely improve relations between your regime and the African Union. Getting in the way will cause relations to sour.

Their immediate wants are peace with government. It Rewards those who fulfill it's wants with improved relations.

United Nations
The United nations has the typical Objectives of trying to maintain peace and preventing as much violence to civilians and buildings as possible.

The United Nations also provides legitimacy and also gets annoyed at factions that get in its way.

It's short term Wants are for various factions to be as peaceful with other factions as possible. It rewards those who help it's wants with improved relations with increase relations with another Major Faction.

>>5930409
The Marshal sat at his desk and looked over the papers that were in front of him now. He was waiting for his military and intelligence advisors to tell him about how status of loyal and allied forces, the possible forces of a Tigray rebellion, and the general nature of the region around Ethiopia.

He saw that under his administration Ethiopia had growth closer to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). Within the Eastern part of the African Union, the two major powers were Ethiopia and Sudan. If a nation or rebel group ran afoul of the African Union, it would be troops from the strongest nations in the local region, that would show up first.

Currently Sudan was the only nation that the Marshal had not improved relations with. The issue was that Sudan was constantly putting down a rebellion in it's southern region, where the black, Christian and traditional Africans were rebelling against the Arab looking and Muslim regime.

-

>Complicated lore incoming! TLDR will come after.

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>>5930445
The Marshal looked at the map of Africa on his desk, trying to make sense of the complex web of alliances and conflicts that shaped the continent. He had just received a report from the African Union, praising his efforts to reform Ethiopia and expressing their support for his regime. But he also knew that not all members of the AU were friendly to him, and some had even tried to undermine his authority.

He decided to call his intelligence advisor, a veteran of the Ethiopian army who had served under him during the civil war. He trusted him more than anyone else in his cabinet, and he hoped he could shed some light on the AU's inner workings.

"Sir, you wanted to see me?" the advisor said as he entered the office.

"Yes, come in. I need your advice on something. Tell me, how does the AU work? How do they decide which countries to suspend or invade?"

The advisor smiled. He knew the Marshal was a brilliant military leader, but he lacked the diplomatic skills and the political savvy that were required to navigate the AU's bureaucracy.

"Well, sir, the AU is a complex organization. It has 55 member states, each with its own interests and agendas. They are supposed to act in accordance with the AU's Constitutive Act, which outlines the principles and objectives of the union, such as promoting democracy, human rights, peace and security, and economic integration. But in reality, they often act based on their own self-interest, or the influence of external powers, such as China, France, or the US."

The advisor paused, then continued.

"The AU has several organs, such as the Assembly, the Executive Council, the Commission, the Peace and Security Council, and the Court of Justice. The most important one for our purposes is the Peace and Security Council, or PSC. It is composed of 15 members, elected by the Assembly for two or three year terms. The PSC is responsible for maintaining peace and security in Africa, and it has the power to impose sanctions, authorize interventions, or suspend members from the AU."

The Marshal nodded, then asked.

"So, how does the PSC decide which countries to target?"

The advisor sighed. He knew this was the tricky part.

"Well, sir, there is no clear-cut answer to that. The PSC is supposed to act in accordance with the AU's principles and values, and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its members. But in practice, the PSC is often influenced by other factors, such as the balance of power, the regional dynamics, the personal relationships, and the hidden agendas of its members. Sometimes, the PSC acts in response to a crisis, such as a coup, a civil war, or a humanitarian disaster. Sometimes, the PSC acts preemptively, to prevent a potential threat, such as a terrorist group, a rebel movement, or a rogue regime. Sometimes, the PSC acts strategically, to advance a certain vision, such as a united Africa, a pan-Africanist ideology, or a continental federation."

>>5930453


The advisor gave some examples.

"For instance, the PSC suspended Mauritania just this year, after a military coup overthrew the elected president. The PSC also authorized an AU mission to restore democracy and stability in the country. Our own nation provided forces to the African Union for peacekeeping in West Africa."


The Marshal listened attentively, then asked.

"And what about the countries that are friendly to us? How do they fare in the AU?"

The advisor smiled again. He knew the Marshal was concerned about his allies, especially those who had helped him during the recent crisis's.

"Well, sir, the AU is not a monolithic entity. There are different factions and coalitions within the union, and they often compete or cooperate with each other, depending on the issue and the context. Some countries are more influential than others, and some have more leverage or resources than others. Some countries are more aligned with our interests and values, and some are more hostile or indifferent to us."

The advisor gave some examples.

"For instance, South Africa is one of the most powerful and respected members of the AU. It has a strong economy, a stable democracy, and a charismatic leader, President Thabo Mbeki. It also has a close relationship with us, as it supported our struggle for independence and democracy, and it helped us broker a peace deal with Eritrea. South Africa is often a mediator and a leader in the AU, and it usually advocates for a peaceful and cooperative approach to the continent's problems. We can count on South Africa as a reliable partner and a friend in the AU."

The advisor continued.

"Another example is Nigeria, the most populous and the richest country in Africa. It has a huge military, a vibrant culture, and a dynamic society. It also has a complex history, marked by ethnic, religious, and regional conflicts, as well as corruption, violence, and poverty. Nigeria is often a dominant and a divisive force in the AU, and it usually pursues its own interests and agendas, sometimes at the expense of others. Nigeria is also a rival to us, as both nations are competing to be the second most powerful in sub-Saharan Africa. We have to be careful and cautious with Nigeria, as it can be a friend or a foe in the AU."

The advisor concluded.

"These are just some examples, sir. There are many other countries in the AU, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, its own allies and enemies, its own opportunities and challenges. The AU is a complicated and a dynamic organization, and it requires a lot of skill and knowledge to navigate it successfully. That is why you need me, sir. I can help you understand the AU, and I can help you achieve your goals in the AU."

The Marshal smiled. He was impressed by his advisor's expertise and insight. He was glad he had him on his side.

"Thank you, advisor. You have been very helpful. I appreciate your service and your loyalty."--

>>5930455
TLDR

The most important part of the African Union is the Peace and Security Council, or PSC.

the PSC is often influenced by other factors, such as the balance of power, the regional dynamics, the personal relationships, and the hidden agendas of its members. Sometimes, the PSC acts in response to a crisis, such as a coup, a civil war, or a humanitarian disaster. Sometimes, the PSC acts preemptively, to prevent a potential threat, such as a terrorist group, a rebel movement, or a rogue regime

The AU is not a monolithic entity. There are different factions and coalitions within the union, and they often compete or cooperate with each other, depending on the issue and the context. Some countries are more influential than others, and some have more leverage or resources than others. Some countries are more aligned with our interests and values, and some are more hostile or indifferent to us.

South Africa is one of the strongest and richest states in the African Union, and it supports us. It is a mediator and leader in the AU.

Nigeria is a nation of growing economic, political, and military power. It views us as a rival and is scared by a past of civil-war, along with present day corruption. Nigeria is competing with Ethiopia to be 2nd place for Sub-Saharan (Black) Africa

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>>5930458
>>5930468
The advisor cleared his throat, then said.

"Sir, there is another factor that you need to be aware of. There is a new organization that has emerged in Africa, called Peace in Africa, or PIA. It is a rival and a challenge to the AU, and it has a different agenda and a different vision for the continent."

The Marshal raised his eyebrows, then asked.

"What is this PIA? Who are its members? And what do they want?"

The advisor explained.

"PIA is a coalition of mostly southern African countries, such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, and Mozambique. It also has some members from other regions, such as Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, Ghana, all four pieces of the former DRC, and Liberia. PIA claims to be a more effective and a more responsive organization than the AU, and it says it is committed to bringing peace and stability to Africa, by any means necessary. PIA is quicker to deploy troops and to intervene in conflicts, without waiting for the AU's approval or authorization. PIA also has a strong backing from Russia, especially from the regime of President Pretashinko, who is the main sponsor and the main influencer of PIA."

The Marshal frowned, then asked.

"Russia? Pretashinko? What do they have to do with Africa?"

The advisor answered.

"Russia has a lot of interests and ambitions in Africa, sir. It wants to expand its influence in the continent, to counter the US and China, and to secure its access to natural resources, such as oil, gas, diamonds, and uranium. Russia also wants to project its power and its prestige in the world, and to show that it is a global player and a leader. Russia sees Africa as a strategic partner and a potential ally, and it tries to cultivate strong and loyal relationships with African leaders and governments. Russia also sees Africa as a testing ground and a proving ground, for its military and its ideology. Russia wants to shape Africa according to its own image and its own interests, and it uses PIA as a tool and a proxy to achieve that."

"Pretashinko is the president of Russia. He is the mastermind and the driving force behind PIA, and a former Detective in Moscow law enforcement. He rose to power after a popular election and uprising in 1999, overthrowing the corrupt and weak regime of Boris Yeltsin. He is a violent and charismatic leader, who has consolidated his control over Russia, and who has restored its glory and its strength. He is also a law and order socialist, who believes in a strong, organized state, that provides for the welfare and the security of its citizens, but that also demands their obedience and their loyalty. His regime has compromised with it's many ethnic minorities and regions attempting to break away, in exchange for their loyalty and commitment of troops to the Russian army."

The advisor placed a map on the table and then rotated it so that The Marshal could see several regions of Russia that were given some autonomy.

>>5930471
"He is also hostile to any ethnic violence or war crimes, and he reacts violently to any violation of human rights or international law. He is a visionary and a pragmatist, who has a grand plan and a clear strategy for Russia and for the world. He is also a manipulator and a schemer, who has a hidden agenda and a secret motive for everything he does."

The advisor paused, then said.

"Sir, Pretashinko is the one who defines what a legitimate state is for PIA, and he is the one who decides when and how PIA intervenes or assists a faction in Africa. He has his own criteria and his own logic, and he does not always share them with others. Pretashinko is a paranoid man, nurtured and growth in a city of crime and corruption and lies. Often he not only avoids an assassination attempt, but is the one to shoot the attempted assassin. Pretashinkov trusts very few people, and he keeps his plans to himself. He is also dangerous and powerful, and he can cause a lot of trouble or damage to anyone who crosses him or opposes him. He is not someone you want to mess with, sir."

The Marshal nodded, then asked.

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>>5930472


"So, what are Pretashinko's criteria and logic? How does he determine which faction to support or to oppose in Africa?"

The advisor shrugged, then said.

"Sir, that is hard to say," he said before letting a sigh out. "The best I can do is to make an educated guess, based on how Pretashinko runs his own country, and how he has communicated with other states in the past. But I must warn you, sir, this is not a reliable or a definitive answer. This is just a speculation and a hypothesis, and it may be wrong or incomplete. I can't be responsible for if this intel is wrong."

The Marshal nodded, then said.

"Go ahead, advisor. Tell me your guess."

The advisor said.

"Well, sir, based on my analysis, I think Pretashinko views an ideal government as one that is strong and stable, that is loyal and obedient, that is socialist and loyal to a shared identity as a nation, that is secular and modern, that is peaceful and cooperative, and that is respectful and grateful. He supports or assists factions that meet these criteria, or that are willing to adopt these criteria, or that are useful or beneficial to these criteria. He opposes or intervenes against factions that violate these criteria, or that are hostile or resistant to these criteria, or that are harmful or detrimental to these criteria."

>>5930475
Pretashinko has been pretty based so far and his goals, attitude, and ideology seem like they would line up.. Detective and Marshall as bastions of law, order, and good governance with a strong hand.

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>>5930475
The advisor gave some an example.

"For instance, Pretashinko supports and assists the government of South Africa. South Africa is a strong and stable country, that has a democratic and a constitutional system, that has a socialist and a nationalist ideology, that has a secular and a multicultural society, that has a peaceful and a cooperative attitude, and that has a respectful and a grateful relationship with Russia. South Africa is an ideal partner and a friend for Pretashinko, and he wants to protect and to empower it in Africa."

The advisor concluded.

"These are just some examples, sir. There are many other factions in Africa, each with its own characteristics and its own goals, each with its own allies and its own enemies, each with its own opportunities and its own challenges. Pretashinko evaluates and judges each faction according to his own criteria and his own logic, and he acts accordingly. Sometimes, he supports or assists a faction, sometimes he opposes or intervenes against a faction, sometimes he ignores or avoids a faction, sometimes he switches or changes his position on a faction. He is a complex and a dynamic actor, and he requires a lot of attention and a lot of caution. That is why you need me, sir. I can help you understand Pretashinko, and I can help you deal with Pretashinko."

The Marshal smiled. He was impressed by his advisor's analysis and insight. He was glad he had him on his side.

Status Update! Reputation Improvement!

"Reputation starts at 0 and can improve by 1 to a maximum of 10 anything the Faction completes an objective for a Major Faction or gives them Resources/Wealth that they demand. Reputation can fall as well to -10, but at -5 it is considered open hostility between the Major Faction and the Character's Faction."

United Nations
Reputation from 4 to 5

African Union
Local East African nations are happy with current Ethiopian regime. Somalians in Ethiopia report favorably to Somalian cousins in Somalia. South Africa gives Ethiopian state "thumbs up". Nigeria annoyed with Ethiopia's growing power, but sees Ethiopian peacekeepers as responsible and professional.
Reputation from 5 to 6

Peace In Africa
Tanzania and South Africa give thumbs up, as fellow peacekeeping nations both support Ethiopian's peacekeeping efforts. Pretashinko regime approves of recent socialist and small business efforts. Major industrial firms in Russia give thumbs up, say "Excellent investment opportunity and fast growing economy".
Reputation from 6 to 7

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>>5930493
New Condition!
Peace in Africa Support!

The Ethiopian regime can choose to receive regular shipments of logistical resources, funding or trade goods. These can be kept to supply forces or used to pay for equipment for new military units. Trade goods can also be used to improve civilian or military infrastructure.

These resources or sources of wealth can also be sold or traded to Russian firms or PiA nations in order to get Artillery Support, PMC assistance, or Military Advisors (Additional training to troops).

Decision Time!

>Ask PiA to support with logistical resources (Resources).

>Ask PiA to support with funding or trade goods (Wealth).

Decision Time, Part 2!

>Use Resources to supply additional troops or militias.

>Use "Wealth" to fund weapons or equipment for new troops

>Use "Resources" or "Wealth" to raise military morale

>Use "Resources" or "Wealth" to improve civilian infrastructure or nation's "Wealth".

>Use "Resources" or "Wealth" to improve military infrastructure and recruitment.

>Use "Resources" or "Wealth" to get elite PMC troops.

>Use "Resources" or "Wealth" to get military advisors.

>Use "Resources" or "Wealth" to get professional artillery support

Btw, It's Summer of 2006 now

>>5930501
>Ask PiA to support with logistical resources (Resources).
>Use "Resources" or "Wealth" to improve civilian infrastructure or nation's "Wealth".
I assume we can only pick 1 option in part 2?

>>5930501
>Ask PiA to support with logistical resources (Resources).
Nothing for peace like helping to build and interlock some infrastructure projects, right?

>Use "Resources" or "Wealth" to improve civilian infrastructure or nation's "Wealth".

Rolled 74, 43 = 117 (2d100)

It's not three but the list of infrastructure is I think a bit much, so I'm going ahead.
>>5930530
>>5930509
Rolling

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>>5930555
Ethiopia has 18 Rural Population Centers, 3 Urban Metropolitan Centers, 20 Resource Regions, and 12 Trade Good Resource Regions.

The Rural Population Centers, provide some protection to troops in the area and can supply 1 Battalion of Militia or 2 Companies of Infantry each Season/Quarter. These troops have to be supplied with "Resources" and you have to buy them weapons.

Urban Metropolitan Centers, "These are the major hubs of economic progress, population, cultural importance, and bureaucratic efficiency. Whoever controls a city, controls the vast resources that it comes with, whoever holds the most cities is also considered to be the most legitimate government of the state."

The two dark spots are two UMCs (The Capitol and metropolitian area) and the dark spot further up is the other one.

The financial "Wealth" of all three Urban Metropolitan Centers is currently being used to grow the nation's economy and provide for it's people. In the event of war, rebel factions will use Wealth to buy weapons.

Urban Metropolitan Centers also provide enough logistics for four Battalions of soldiers.

+1 Permanent Morale and Legitimacy
2 Battalions of Militia, 1 Battalion of Infantry, or 1 Company of Bush Fighters, Marines, Guards, Engineers, or Scout.

Resource Regions, provide food, clothing, and logistics. They provide enough logistics to supply 2 Battalions each turn.

There are 12 Trade Good Resource Regions. Most of the operational ones are coffee plantations and the like. The nation is lacking mineral wealth and most of it's natural gas wealth is unexploited due to instability or international paperwork.

>>5930509

Supporting, economic investments are always superior to military ones

>>5930575

QM, I am officially impressed with your mechanics rollout

>>5930575
The entirety of the nation provides enough logistics to supply 52 whole battalions of troops, each about 400 or so men.

Decision Time

>Upgrade Resource Region, Fuel Depot, +2 > +4
"These important deposits of fuel and other valuables allow the Faction to continue to produce and use vehicles of war and transportation."

>Upgrade Resource Region, Foodstuff Point, +2 > +4
"This Point of Interest is a major breadbasket and food producing area in the region, possessing it means having access to the meals required for the soldiers.."

Both of these Resources can be stored for later. They can also be used to relieve fuel or food shortages in civilian areas, or used to win favor with certain populated areas or ethnic groups. Nations in the PiA also appreciate gifts of these Resources.

>Build Heavy Industrial Factory
This will produce +2 Heavy Industrial Assets, which are things like steel, concrete, and parts for vehicles or shipping containers.

>Build Light Commercial Factory
This will provide +2 Light Commercial Assets, things like toasters, pans, and consumer goods like that.

>Nationalize and buy plot for Petrochemical deposit, build pumps
This will provide +2 Petrochemical Assets

These last three goods are typically sold for money, but they can be used to bribe factions or relieve shortages in the nation.

Disclaimer Alert

QM is borrowing mechanics from "Notepad Anon", please be aware of quotes which are stolen.

QM is also using Bing AI and ripping from news sources for his characters

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>>5930586
Woops.

>>5930586
>Build Heavy Industrial Factory
Adding to this, we should begin training our workforce (and encouraging immigration as needed) to become as highly proficient in creating and maintaining such facilities and infrastructure as possible, and begin licensing our workers to neighbours' projects, especially those in PIA-affiliated nations.... And most of all, neighbours with ports. Ethiopia needs ports, and this is a good way to interlink our infrastructure and economies and swing favourable agreements to get our goods to and from the sea y multiple means.

>>5930590
Who is "Notepad Anon"?

The news stories being ripped off/modified makes sense for such a quest, desu. More concerned about the other accusation.

>>5930595
Notpad anon is someone who wrote a fully Functional wargaming system for Africa and a fully functioning diplomacy system. The foundations of the logistical and wargaming system are not mine, the foundations for how the UN and AF behave are not mine. All elements of lore are either RL or mine. A lot of the civilian policies involve booting up Democracy 3/4 or asking Bing Ai for ideas (But it's ideas are often mixed quality, it kept suggesting we invent in AI).
-
>"Adding to this, we should begin training our workforce (and encouraging immigration as needed) to become as highly proficient in creating and maintaining such facilities and infrastructure as possible, and begin licensing our workers to neighbours' projects, especially those in PIA-affiliated nations...."
Would you like some data on the manufacturing situation in Ethiopia? Technological status?

>"And most of all, neighbours with ports. Ethiopia needs ports, and this is a good way to interlink our infrastructure and economies and swing favourable agreements to get our goods to and from the sea y multiple means."
This is absolutely correct. In Notepad's system, if you use the optional expanded rules, Trade Goods have to be exported to make money and the cheapest way to do that is by sea.

Also Ethiopia has been concerned about port access for all my life.

>>5930602
Thank you for the clarification.

Yes, more data could be useful. Regardless, I think it's a good mid-to-longterm goal.

I applogize, but in order to make the real life numbers work better with all my book keeping and Notepads bookkeeping...

Everytime I said Battalion (400), pretend I said "Brigade" (5,000). Ethiopia has around 48 brigades IRL.
>>5930605
Booting up software and running queries.

>>5930586
>Build Heavy Industrial Factory

>>5930605
>>5930608
Ethiopia is a Technological Backwater, this is dragging down our GDP, making our population less educated, and making our military weaker. There are longterm hopes that science funding and intellectual property rights will start dealing with this issue in about two to four years.

Most of our economic growth is caused by, in order of importance: Business Confidence, Tourism, International Trade, The Global Economy, and International Investment.

The biggest things dragging our economy down are high oil prices and an "Uncompetitive Economy". Both are worse than the Technological Backwater issue, with the former being twice as worse. Our Petrochemical industry is working hard, but it seems oil demand globally and locally are high.
-
Our Uncompetitive Economy has it's biggest cure being our very healthy trade relationship, with it's biggest cause being our corporation tax. Our economy currency taxes all corporations, even if they are one person, at 30%

Any of these issues can be dealt with later, before or after dealing with some military or international issue, or while dealing with a local crisis.

Be aware that we only have a limited amount of time and political power to force policies into effect. We can put policies into effect while leading armies or flying to international meetings, but that requires us to trust in our subordinates.

>>5930621
I think in addition to >>5930594, we should adjust our corporate taxation so that it is tiered by size and income.

>>5930630
If it gets two extra votes from longterm players, it can go through.

>>5930630

I support both proposals

Rolled 75, 14 = 89 (2d100)

>>5930642
>>5930612
>>5930594
Heavy Industrial Factory is being built, factory will be done by end of year. Plugging in resulting outcome into software.

It is currently Summer of 2006, every Season/Quarter after 2006 Winter, +2 Heavy Industrial Assets are produced.

Rolling dice and loading software.

>>5930646
Decision Time, Part 2?

The Marshal has three advisors wanting to get a meeting with him to talk about the Property Tax. One of them likely wants to change or alter the tax, and the other two likely want to disagree or propose some other idea.

>Arrange a Meeting with the Economic Advisors!

However, political energy is limited.

[u]Options to increase spending on any initiatives besides military are blocked.[/u]

There supposedly is an advisor who is wanting to talk about starting a state rail company as a source of state funding or as a cost neutral solution to the nation's problems.
>Talk to the advisor about State Rail

Finally, there are generals that supposedly think that raising military spending about 10% (1% of the budget, 0.1% more to our debt each Season/Quarter), will allow us to get noticeably better recruits, do some more firearms training, and replace broken and questionable material in storage. This could make the military noticeably more powerful.
>Focus on examining the military and making it more powerful.

>>5930661
>>Talk to the advisor about State Rail

>>5930661
>Talk to the advisor about State Rail

>>5930661
>Talk to the advisor about State Rail

Rolled 86, 17 = 103 (2d100)

>>5930815
>>5930810
>>5930680
Rolling and booting up software.

Rolled 12, 44 = 56 (2d100)

>>5930887
>Good!
Successfully looked into the policy and did indeed manage to find a way to use rail to make the government more profitable, without really pissing anyone off.

Bad?
There was a misunderstanding and you accidently bought out all the train companies, and then nationalized the Rail. Also running it at cost neutral will somehow not really result in anything noticeable happening.

Woops?

At least the extra money can be used to get the debts in order, or even finance some rail expansion later on.

Um.... Reads Software and looks at dice rolls. Okay then.
>>5930891
>Good!
Somehow... We have a funding surplus? It's about 1.5% of our budget. We can spend the extra money to grow the economy, or even run in the red again if we pick policies that we know will work.

Ooh, another source of backers and there is a political action committee preparing for our re-election.

Bad
The second event I had to trigger to even figure out what was causing it and what could be done.


Railway Strike!!!!
The Marshal looked at his transportation minister and his economic minister, who had just delivered a report on the situation of the automotive industry and the railway sector. He was concerned about the news that a major automotive factory had closed down, and that the railway workers were planning to strike.

"Tell me, Mulugeta, what is the reason for the factory closure?" The Marshal asked.

"Sir, the reason is the lack of competitiveness and profitability of the factory," Mulugeta said. "The factory was producing outdated and inefficient models, that could not compete with the imported vehicles. The factory was also facing high costs of production, such as labor, energy, and materials. The factory was also suffering from low demand and sales, due to the increasing rising oil prices. The factory was losing money and market share, and decided to shut down."

"Thank you, Mulugeta, for your explanation," The General said. "What about you, Ayele? What is the reason for the railway strike?"

"Sir, the reason is the lack of investment and improvement of the railway system," Ayele said. "The railway system is old and outdated, and needs urgent maintenance and modernization. The railway system is also underfunded and understaffed, and cannot meet the growing needs and expectations of the passengers and the cargo. The railway system is more important than ever and the system is struggling to keep up the strain. The railway workers are unhappy and dissatisfied with their working conditions, and demand more resources and respect from the government."

"Thank you, Ayele, for your answer," The General said. "What do you think, my friends? What could be the cause of these problems? Low wages again?"

>>5930898
"Sir, low wages aren't really the problem," Ayele said. "The root cause is the lack of vision and strategy for the development and integration of the transport sector. The transport sector is vital for the economy and the society, and needs a comprehensive and coherent plan that addresses the current and future challenges and opportunities. The transport sector also needs more investment and innovation, that can enhance the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of the services and the infrastructure. The transport sector also needs more coordination and cooperation, that can harmonize the policies, regulations, and standards of the different modes and actors."

"Sir, I agree with Ayele," Mulugeta said. "The transport sector is in need of a major overhaul and transformation, that can make it more competitive and attractive, both domestically and internationally. The transport sector also needs to adapt to the changing trends and demands, such as the digitalization, the electrification, and the decarbonization of the transport. The transport sector also needs to balance the interests and needs of the different stakeholders, such as the government, the private sector, the workers, and the customers."

"I have a question for you," The Marshal asked. "Do you think that the nationalization of the railway system, which you implemented last Season, has anything to do with the possible strike?"

"Sir, I have an answer for you," Mulugeta said. "No, it does not. The nationalization of the railway system was a necessary and beneficial decision, that aimed to protect the national interest and sovereignty, and to improve the management and performance of the railway system. The nationalization of the railway system did not cause the strike, but it may help to prevent or resolve it, by giving the government more control and responsibility over the railway system, and by allowing more dialogue and negotiation with the railway workers."

>>5930899
Decision Time!

The state has a 1.5% budget surplus and the economy is having remarkable growth. State functionaries and our debters are willing to allow up to 7.5% of our budget's total value (6% over spending) to be invented into measures that improve the economy or solve major problems.

>Take the extra money in profits and expand the rail network, replace old trails, ect ect.
>Don't do that.

The money can be split into 3 pieces, or 2.5% budget increments. It can be invested in any of the following.

>Expanding the rail network more
>A mixture of handing out bikes, encouraging their use, and promoting telecommuting. (Less rail use, less traffic, less oil use)
>Tax breaks for firms that invest in small businesses and innovation in Ethiopia
>Expanding the National Health Service (Improves health, gets more doctors to stop striking)
>Extra money for the schools (Improves Tech, gets more teachers to stop striking)
>Healthcare Vouchers
>School Vouchers
>Reducing Immigration in the hopes wages will go up? (Stop strikes maybe?)
>University Grants for young people (Could lead to tech improvements, definitely effective way to please teachers)

>>5930905
Oh and we can do this too, it doesn't cost any money.

>Reform Labor Laws so they just barely are "Equal" if you squint and turn your head sideways.
This will make some people happy and others angry, and will have an effect on the strikers.

>>5930905
>Take the extra money in profits and expand the rail network, replace old trails, ect ect.

>A mixture of handing out bikes, encouraging their use, and promoting telecommuting.
>Tax breaks for firms that invest in small businesses and innovation in Ethiopia
>University Grants for young people

>>5930905
>Take the extra money in profits and expand the rail network, replace old trails, ect ect.

>Expanding the National Health Service (Improves health, gets more doctors to stop striking)
>Extra money for the schools (Improves Tech, gets more teachers to stop striking)
>University Grants for young people (Could lead to tech improvements, definitely effective way to please teachers)

Oh and I don't want to overburden you or me, so I'll be spacing this out for the next few Decisions.

The Marshal has gained a new Skill, or gotten better at a Skill he had. He gained an ability. He also gained the ability to set one aspect of his faction/regime's military.

>Pick one of the following to get better at

>Deception,
Lying to people, gambling
>Insight,
Body Language, Detecting Lies
>Intimidation,
Scaring at people, screaming orders
>Investigation
Examining a crime scene, solving a puzzle with your mind
>Perception,
Get better at looking or listening for things, including ambushes
>Persuasion,
Convincing people to agree with you, interviewing people carefully for rumors or details
>Stealth
Um... I guess you can listen in on people, sneak away from assassins or sieges, and go on convert missions you totally shouldn't go on?

OR! Pick 2 of the below!

>Knowledge (Any),
Could be Business, Military, Criminal, Geopolitical, Science, Psychology, or Legal
If you pick two of the same type of Knowledge, it boosts a related skill (Eg, Psychology not only allows you to be a licensed therapist, but you get a bonus to reading people's mood.)

>>5930919
>Knowledge (Any)
Business
Geopolitical

>>5930919
>Knowledge (Any),
>Military
>Geopolitical
Seems the most in character.

I'm giving it the full 24 hours (So like around 12 more) so that people can catch up.

I've been trying to make the lore and reports shorter every other report or update. However, the software I use isn't very good at that.... Right now I'm manually cutting sentences and rewriting stuff a lot more.

I've read a few more articles and checked where Wikipedia was at in 2005 to get a better understanding of how things should be.

>>5930630
+1 to both from longtime phoneposter, albeit only with immigration from pre-existing ethnic groups within Ethiopia.

>Expand Rail
>Expand NHS
>Tax Breaks for Firms

Give 2% to each, with another 1% going to the military for training, maintenance, & supplies.

>Double Psychology (to better understand voters/advisors/foreign peers)

When we put out enough fires I still want Ghanaian Power Armor LMFAO

QM, I'm curious why you went with a Muslim majority Ethiopia?

So my fellow Warlords, should we seize a cordon in Somalia whenever some msjor unrest rears it's head again there by way of PiA/AU/UN peacekeeping mission so as to secure a port?

>>5931412
>QM, I'm curious why you went with a Muslim majority Ethiopia?
That was at typo.

>>5931412
Are you implying you are?
A0WLllR0

>>5930905
>Take the extra money in profits and expand the rail network, replace old trails, ect ect.

>Extra money for the schools (Improves Tech, gets more teachers to stop striking)
Trade schools especially.
>Tax breaks for firms that invest in small businesses and innovation in Ethiopia
>Expanding the rail network more

>>5930919
>Persuasion

>>5931431
I'm >>5930630 (A0WLllR0), actually, at work. I can verify later from my home IP if needed.

>>5931448
>>5931412
>>5930909
>>5930909
>>5930915
The University Grants can't be expanded anymore than they were, and teachers are increasingly going back to work. Some are still striking, but some reporters think the crisis will be fully resolved by the end of the year.

The rumblings of a planned Rail Strike are still present, but some multiple railway workers are quoted or surveyed as saying "The rails are starting to get fixed, which is making my job a lot easier."

The tax breaks for investing in small businesses are in effect. There was some minor lowering of the corporation tax and a new tax on big box firms.

The NHS is better funded. Due to available sources of money and some low level delegation, the cycling campaign and bike subsidies were put into effect.

The budget has a 8% surplus, despite the over spending last quarter. Our economy is growing fairly quickly, but there is some indications that the regional and global economies dropped some last quarter. Fingers are crossed and prayers are made that nothing is going to go wrong.

All of the supported policies are in effect. It is the Fall of of 2006, every Season/Quarter after 2006 Winter, +2 Heavy Industrial Assets are produced. We can spend money on any of these. >>5930905 or adjust (Loosen on small firms) / reduce the Corporation tax >>5930630
However we have used up almost all of our political energy, so we have to wait till Winter for those to take effect. The Marshal rammed through two quarters of bills and amendments in just one quarter.

File: 220px-2006_ICU.png (35 KB, 220x285)

35 KB PNG

>>5931453
International Incident!

Somalia: A Failed State in the Grip of Terror

Somalia, a country that has been ravaged by civil war, famine, and anarchy for more than a decade, is now facing a new and grave threat: the rise of radical Islam.

A coalition of Islamic militias, known as the Islamic Courts Union (ICU), has seized control of most of the south and central regions of the country, including the capital, Mogadishu. The ICU, which claims to impose a "moderate" version of Sharia law, has been accused of harboring terrorists, violating human rights, and threatening regional stability.

The ICU has also declared war on the legitimate and internationally recognized government of Somalia, the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), which is based in the town of Baidoa. The TFG, which was formed in 2004 with the support of the United Nations and the African Union, is the only hope for restoring peace and democracy in Somalia.

The situation in Somalia is critical and urgent. The ICU is advancing towards Baidoa, and is preparing to launch a final assault on the TFG.

The United States, which has a vital interest in preventing Somalia from becoming a safe haven for terrorists and a source of instability in the Horn of Africa, has been providing military and humanitarian assistance to the TFG.

The US is also working with its allies and partners, such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti, to support the TFG and to contain the ICU. The US is also urging the international community, especially the UN and the AU, to deploy a peacekeeping force in Somalia, to protect the TFG and to facilitate the delivery of aid to the millions of Somalis who are suffering from hunger, disease, and displacement.

The US is committed to helping the Somali people to reclaim their country from the clutches of terror, and to rebuild their nation on.

File: 1_202809_1_5.png (117 KB, 270x180)

117 KB PNG

>>5931455
Somalia: A Victim of Foreign Intervention

Somalia, a country that has endured war, famine, and anarchy for years, is now facing a new challenge: the interference of foreign powers.

A group of Islamic fighters, called the Islamic Courts Union (ICU), has taken over most of the country, including the capital, Mogadishu. The ICU, which enforces Islamic law, has been praised by many Somalis for restoring order, justice, and security.

The ICU has also declared war on the puppet government of Somalia, the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), which is based in the town of Baidoa. The TFG, which was formed in 2004 with the backing of the United States and its allies, is the only obstacle for peace and democracy in Somalia.

The ICU is also facing a threat from a group of warlords, who are funded and armed by the United States and its allies. The warlords, who have caused much of the bloodshed and chaos in Somalia, are opposed to both the ICU and the TFG, and are fighting for their own greed and power.

The ICU is advancing towards Baidoa, and is preparing to liberate the TFG.

However, The United States, which has an interest in controlling Somalia and its resources, has been providing military and humanitarian assistance to the TFG. The US has also been conducting covert operations against the ICU, using airstrikes, drones, and special forces.

The US is also working with its puppets and proxies, such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti, to support the TFG and to undermine the ICU and the warlords. The US is also pressuring the international community, especially the United Nations and the African Union, to deploy a peacekeeping force in Somalia, to protect the TFG and to oppress the Somalis.

The US is unable to see the democratic and stabilizing presence of the ICU. The Bush regime, when it looks upon an Islamic face, can only see terrorism.

Rolled 17, 24, 46, 31 = 118 (4d100)

>>5930932
>>5930928
>>5931448
>>5931412
Rolling to break tie.

>>5931464
Loading Default Combat Officer Package
Intimidate +10
Persuasion +10
Knowledge (Tactics) +10
Perception +10
Second or Third Language

Loading Specialization, Experience
Intimidate +5
Persuasion +5
Knowledge (Tactics) +10
Additional Language or previous Languages Improved

Loading Recent Training
Persuasion +10

Total Results
Knowledge (Tactics) +20
Intimidate +15
Persuasion +25
Perception +10
Speaks all national languages and ethnic language

Three out of four players voted for more knowledge (Different kinds), so "The Marshal" has +10 to all skills connected to Intelligence (Knowledges, Investigation)

Background loading
The Marshal is a native Tigray, strengthen by the deserts and grasslands of East Africa. His background is either urban elite or westernized middle class.

His first language was Tigrinya. Oromo is largest language, The Marshal speaks Oromo. Amharic is very large language as well, The Marshal speaks Amharic.

Amhara and Tigrinya are Semitic languages. Knowing one makes it easier to learn the other. The Marshal speaks Amhara with a mixture of a Tigray and Urban elite accent.

Oromo and Somali are "Cushitic" languages. The Marshal speaks Somali, but with at a child's level, with an Oromo accent.

The Marshal can thus speak to 75% of the people of Ethiopia, in their native languages.

He learned English while getting higher education. The Marshal has a Bachelors degree, and an additional two years studying at a "War College". The Marshal is just as well rounded and educated to the standard of an American, and possibly studied abroad or had some international coursework.

+30 to Knowledge (Tactics), unlock ability!
The Marshal knows the foundations of his own nation's military and tactics, to the point he can recite and imagine them with his eyes closed.

The Marshal understands the fundamentals of Soviet/Russian and American tactics, doctrine, and strategy. He recognizes uniforms, equipment, and organization tables by sight.

>>5931476
The Marshal often gives his speeches twice. He gives them once in Amhara, and then he repeats himself in Oromo. The Marshal heavily promotes the use of either English or an Amhara/Oromo mixture language for intra-administration communication.

He speaks to his subordinates often in their native tongue, or a language they have half-mastered but wish to learn.

It is very possible that his understanding of five languages and his ability to switch languages is part of the appeal of his administration. It is also possibly how he managed to form a coalition of military and civilian leaders to form the "Emergency Government" in the first place over 3 years ago.

Decision Time, Minor Decision!
Do you want to have him have a non Tigray wife. Is priority to an Amhara one or a Oromo one? I will be rolling dice for the outcome.

File: Military parade.jpg (68 KB, 686x386)

68 KB JPG

I don't mean to overload anyone, but I have to write the following down for record keeping.
>>5931476
Leading large armies and understanding what is happening is an average of the Persuasion and Knowledge (Tactics) skills.

Ergo, The Marshall rolls 1d100+35 for leading large armies, trying to figure out where the enemy is, and rallying his men when they are scared.

>>5931481
Tigrayan wife. We're already popular with Oromo and Amhara more than our own people. in-group marriage can only help our image with the Tigray, or at least not damage it further.

>>5931498
Neat!

>>5931461
Let's consult with our friend in Msocow as to what the PIA should do.

>>5931448
This is indeed me, btw.

>>5931584
>Let's consult with our friend in Msocow as to what the PIA should do.
The Marshal looked at his advisor who had given him advice about Peace in Africa, a non-governmental organization that promotes peace and development in the continent. He wanted to know his opinion on the situation between the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) and the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in Somalia.

"Tell me, Abdanyal, what do you think?" The Marshal asked.

"Sir, I think the situation is complex and uncertain," Abdanyal said. "The ICU and the TFG both have some popular support and they both haven't been caught forcing others to obey them. They could both be a force for stability or chaos, it is hard to say."

The intelligence advisor rotated a map of the conflict and started to point to areas.

The ICU, which controls most of the south and central regions, including the capital, Mogadishu, claims to enforce moderate Islamic law and provide security and justice to the people. The TFG, which is based in the town of Baidoa, and is recognized by the international community, claims to restore peace and democracy to the country. Both sides have some support and some opposition from the Somali people and the regional actors."

"What about Peace in Africa? What is their position?" The Marshal asked.

"Sir, Peace in Africa is neutral and impartial," Abdanyal said. "They do not side with either faction, but I currently do not know why. The Pretashinko regime is known to take interest in fragile and insecure regimes, especially ones that don't fit Pretashinko's vision of what a proper government is."

He looked around on his desk and found something, which he pulled over so the Marshal could see it. It was a circle cut into four different colors.

"Peace in African consists of a series of semi-democratic, economically moderate regimes" Abdanyal started. "None of them have connections to either the CIA or KGB, and none of them are overly capitalist or Lenin-Maoist. The bulk of them either have western thinking goverments, or they recently were put into power after the previous regime lost that most recent war in the DRC. Russian Naval infantry stormed more than one capitol."

Cut for breviety

"What about the warlords and the US intervention? What do they think of them?" The Marshal asked.

>>5931690

"Sir, Peace in Africa is opposed to both the warlords and the US intervention," Abdanyal said. "The warlords, who have formed an alliance called the Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism (ARPCT), are the main source of violence and chaos in Somalia. They are fighting for their own interests and power, and are not accountable to anyone. They are also suspected of collaborating with the US, which has been providing them with military and financial support. The US intervention, which has been conducting covert operations against the ICU and the warlords, using airstrikes, drones, and special forces, is also counterproductive and destabilizing. It is seen as a violation of the sovereignty and the dignity of Somalia, and as a part of the global war on terror, which has alienated and radicalized many Somalis. Peace in Africa believes that the warlords and the US intervention are the main obstacles for peace and security in Somalia, and calls for their withdrawal and cessation."

"Thank you, Abdanyal, for your analysis," The Marshal said. "You have given me a clear picture of the situation in Somalia. I appreciate your honesty and your loyalty."

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>5931692
Part that was cut for brevity
The Tetrarchy

The Marshal blinked a few times, he noticed that the circle was cut into four equal pieces and they all had what looked like Russian words on them.

"But what is this?" He asked.

"This is what some call 'The Tetrarchy', it's Latin for 'rule of four'." Abdanyal explained. "These are believed by some international reporters to be the four major groups that control Russia and by extension about a quarter or more of Africa."

His finger points to the first bit, which was red and black.

"This represents Pretashinko. Every leader in this world can be looked up these days on the internet, and there are public sources for where they all were born and who they are. However, there is nothing on this guy until he starts running for office around 1996-1999. There are hundreds, thousands of people who claim they remember him at all the places he supposedly worked, but no one knows what his name was..... The most important things about him is he's crazy popular in the worst areas of Moscow, he's incredibly highly educated, the Russian gangsters assassinated his wife, and the couple were socialists who hate the Russian Communist Party."

He swallowed. "Oh and he's paved a path of destruction through what used to the Bratva, the most powerful criminal organization the world has ever known. We had a fraction as much crime and far more resources to deal with it... There are rumors that Pretashinko's inter-circle were off-duty cops, detectives, and soldiers who waged a guerilla war against the Bratva... Today they're all powerful men, and some of them lead the very units that crushed the Taliban, Charles Tailor, and other regimes.

"And this part that is blue?" The Marshal pointed at it.

"That's a loose network of different small business interests." Abdanyal answered. "The Pretashinko regime is a coalition of three parties, with his own being very big on anti-corruption, and the other two being socialist and liberty capitalist, respectfully. My suspicion is that this group is give a cut of the power, in order to ensure their support. It might also be to balance the power between the last two groups.

"And Pretashinko represents the socialists right, that's his quarter?"

"More or less".

"And you said there as two other groups?"

"Yes, there are two or three other groups, it's hard to say." Abdanyal started up again. "The Soviets had all the oil, gas, and nuclear state owned. That Yeltsin guy handed it all out to shady businessmen in the 1990s. Pretashinko has let half of them keep their companies, and he's bought out or arrested the other half. The money gets put into this big huge fund of some sort, and it invests in reasonably stable and growing industries... Actually I think it's a big contributor to our economic growth."

>Rolling for something.

>>5931695
>Investigation, Partial Success

The Marshal scratched at his head. Something was on the tip of his tongue, but couldn't get it out. He had something however.

"A few years ago, we had something about Russian firms wanting to encourage us to give tax breaks to foreign investment." The Marshal remembered. "I think there was some kind of meet at some point about Russian companies looking into some of our oil plots."

"Yes..." Abdanyal looked at the Marshal and then at the pie graph. "With how fast our economy is growing, they are making reasonably money as well. There are also pensions and all kinds of stuff with money in our economy."

Abdanyal looked at the last piece of the graph and sighed out, pointing at it. It was green. "It's not clear if the many many investment firms big and small are the fourth piece, or if it's something else entirely. What I can tell you is that a lot of the state armaments and uniform factories in Peace in African nations are partially Russian owned."

>>5931431
If you're asking who I am, I have an extensive Ethiopian Qst pedigree:
>>5931414
>>5931412
>>5929220
>>5927141
Plus a couple of the lazy +1 posts are probably me.
QM, I love the effort-posting here, gotta' get caught-up tomorrow though.