The East AARfrican Union!

Acguy: Thanks! Completely agreed; this should prove to be an interesting war.

Zzzzz…: Awesome, glad to have you on board!

Mr. Santiago: I’m using all available forces, assuming that Vichy France won’t do any amphibious landings. Battle bunny mentioned that they do not seem to defend their colonial possessions and I’ve seen that as well in certain games, so I’m going all out on both fronts.

Lighthearter: That’s exactly what I needed; thanks. And, I’m glad you’re following!

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Operation Northern Liberation- Initial Attacks


At the next Parliament meeting, with the consent of President Mitchell, the East African Union was formally renamed the African Union, in order to remain in accordance with its policy of liberating the continent from foreign oppressors.


More men were being levied to become incorporated into an irregular military fighting force, in anticipation of the upcoming war, which would surely push the African Union to its limits.


In North Africa, Italy was facing problems throughout its last remaining African colony. Following a naval landing by British forces in western Libya, the Italian Army in the east had to pull back in order to reconsolidate its position. This forced retreat allowed British troops in Egypt to march relatively unopposed into eastern Libya. Italy was facing a chokehold with no feasible solution in sight. Such a situation delighted Unionists for Italy was still, and always will be an enemy of the African Union.


In the early hours of February 17th, 1941, the African Union declared war on Vichy France, citing violence and atrocities against the people of Africa as a pretext for the invasion.


Around two weeks after the beginning of the war, the African Union was in a comfortable position. The naval landings were successful and troops began the march northwards. In the Congo, Unionist planners were a bit too optimistic and realized that in order to avoid overextending supply lines and becoming vulnerable to French troops, only the Central African Army Group A was given orders to march.


In Europe, the German war machine remained unopposed as Yugoslavia was the next nation to see its national sovereignty at an immediate threat of extinction. Although it bordered another Allied country, Greece, it was clear that Yugoslavia would be split up amongst the Axis powers in a matter of weeks.


Central African Army Group C was established in order to fortify the positions in the Congo. Currently, there are three militia divisions, but this certainly would not be enough in the event of a sustained French attack made up by regular infantry units.


The first military halt occurred at Bangui. Central African Army Group B, seeing the success of Army Group A at Bangasson, attempted to capture Bangui. However, to the surprise of many Unionist generals, a regular French infantry division was in the region and, following a few hours of sporadic gunfire, completely routed Army Group B.


With a threat of being surrounded and wiped out, Army Group A, after taking a province north of Bangasson, had no choice but to pull back and regroup with the rest of the Central African Army Groups. Another French infantry division was spotted in Cameroon, causing many to wonder why the French have put so much emphasis in this region as opposed to West Africa. Two French infantry units would surely brush away the few Unionist militia units in the Congo. With that said, priority was shifting to creating infantry divisions and potentially transporting a few divisions from West Africa to the Congo.


The West African front was a different story, however. Virtually no opposition stood in the way of the Unionist forces from their beachhead to the Niger River. The eight divisions essentially split into two units, with one group focusing on the greater Abidjan region and the second one marching north to tie up potential reinforcements from the north.


As expected, Yugoslavia was annexed by Germany was broken into separate zones of control by the Axis countries. Germany and Italy clearly got the most out of the deal, for these two countries would now be able to focus their fighting on the small kingdom of Greece.


This is the current overview of all African Union operations and military movements. In the Congo, there is a desperate attempt to shore up the potential breakthrough that may arise from the well-trained French infantry divisions that are in the region. In West Africa, there still remains zero resistance as many of the troops come close to reaching their primary objectives, most notably Abidjan.

(Yeah, it's kinda looking bad in the Congo. I really didn't think they would focus on this region as opposed to West Africa. I may consider sending 2+ infantry divisions from West Africa to the Congo.)

Lighthearter: Sounds very interesting. I’ll be sure to try to use that “Lose land but gain tactical advantage” idea.

Acguy:B] I plan on pushing all the way to Algeria, if possible of course.

[B Zzzzz…: Agreed! The African Union will accept no concessions or make any agreements with the imperialist swine!

Mr. Santiago: Yeah, I looked at that province before I invaded. Unfortunately, it is impossible to make a naval landing there. :/

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Operation Northern Liberation- Consolidation and Stabilization


As per the general retreat orders being issued in the north Congo, all Unionist forces were falling back into Unionist-held territory to avoid being surrounded by the far superior French forces. Central African Army Group A, on its retreat south, was attacked by a modern equipped French infantry division. Within hours, pandemonium broke loose as thousands of Unionist troops scrambled to fall back south.


In order to stabilize the situation in the Congo, President Mitchell authorized the transfer of two Unionist divisions from the West African theater. These units were some of the best equipped and trained forces in the whole Unionist Army so they should be able to stem the French advance.


Central African Army Group A was severely routed in Bangassou while it was recovering from its humiliating defeat a few weeks earlier. Officially, the unit was to retreat to Buta, but in reality hundreds of Unionist soldiers were captured by the pursuing French while others succumbed to lethal diseases found into the Congo rainforest. Central African Army Group C began moving to Buta as well in order to reinforce the region, which may be the next point of French attack.


The advance upon Abidjan was immediately halted by the appearance of French tactical bombers, which heavily bombarded the moving Unionist forces. In order to prevent annihilation by these planes, a general stop was issued.


The advance to the ancient city of Timbuktu proceeded relatively unopposed, that is, until a French infantry division was reported within the city limits. Unionist soldiers were being mowed down while crossing the Niger River on pontoons, leaving them completely exposed and defenseless. Only after certain battalions refused to cross the river was the offensive called off.


The units were subsequently harassed by French bombers, even after the failed attack on Timbuktu. The group tasked with taking Abidjan began marching again, seeing as how the French air strikes were taking place north of their positions.


A daring and ambitious attack was directed by the French with the primary objective to take the vital city of Stanleyville and its associated region. Such an acquisition could have detrimentally shifted the tide of the war, for Vichy France would have a much stronger foothold in the African Union proper. The bravery and resilience of two militia divisions was all it took to send the enemy forces back across the border.


Central African Army Group C, after marching in treacherous jungle for weeks, was suddenly attacked right when it reached its new base of operations. The exhausted, poorly-equipped soldiers promptly retreated to Entebbe.


Many of the Army Groups in the Congo were in complete rout and the theater looked very grim for the Unionist military brass. The two regular infantry divisions were still redeployed and naval transported so the current troops in the area would have to hold off for a few more weeks at the least.


The campaign in West Africa was a completely different story, however. A naval landing in Conakry helped draw French attention away from main thrust of the recent offensive, which was towards Sikasso.


The ruse proved successful as a French infantry division engaged the Unionist marines. In order to avoid losses and look for a better strategic outcome, the unit reloaded on their transports.


With Dakar completely devoid of any French forces, it was a prime target for a naval landing. The Vichy French West African fleet was forced to relocate and the Unionist navy took shelter in this newly-captured port so as to avoid losses.


Italy was holding on to a very tenuous strip of land centered around Benghazi. It seemed like there was only a matter of weeks before Italy would be completely booted from the continent.


Gao was the next province of importance in the West African campaign. Two Unionist divisions were involved in the attack on an exhausted French unit, which proved to a successful operation. The French troops were forced to retreat into the Sahara, where they would surely lose men and organization.


Small arms assembly lines were completed, allowing factories to produce infantry equipment very quicker. Following this technology development, priority was put into upgrading the currently outdated infantry divisions.


The three Central African Groups and the two infantry divisions had established fairly strong position in the area. The two easternmost militia units, upon receiving reports that a French unit had taken Buta, was given permission to flush out the imperialists. The battle turned bad very quickly for the French very soon, as the jungle and low infrastructure did nothing to help them.

(Would you guys rather see much of the continent colored yellow to symbolize unity under the African Union government or would you prefer me releasing countries every few months, all of which would be “puppets” and thus military allies of the African Union. In this one, the African Union would be more of an umbrella organization as opposed to a national government for all of Africa.)

Battle bunny, Timmie0307, Acguy, Bergioyn: Very well; one centralized nation it shall be! I haven't incorporated cores into the African Union (not sure whether you guys think it would be too gamey or not- Feel free to let me know what seems more reasonable/realistic)

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Operation Northern Liberation- Breakthrough


In a move which shocked the whole world, including the African Union, Germany declared war on the Soviet Union, bringing conflict back into the mainland continent of Europe. Seeing as how the African Union is still officially at war with Germany, many Unionist government and military leaders have been secretly supporting the Soviets in their endeavor to purge the world of Nazi scum.


For many years, the United Kingdom has been the African Union's most important trade ally, primarily due to their previously close history and their relatively close geographic position. However, out of the clear blue sky, the British severed various vital trade deals with the African Union. Seeing as how the war between the AU and Vichy France had already been raging on for a few months, no one in the Unionist government could understand the movie behind the British actions. Nonetheless, the British in general were despited even more throughout the AU and trade deals with countries such as Japan, a major player of East Asian affairs, were being set up.


In the first major counterattack on behalf of the Unionist forces in the Congo, 5 divisions began a pincer strike on the French unit stationed in Buma. The result was clear; the French were in complete rout and two Unionist militia units were en rout to reclaim the city.


The occupation of Gao was short-lived, as arriving Unionist forces were quickly routed by a recovering French infantry division.


In brighter news, the northern Congo front was essentially stabilized, with a Central African Army Group in Buta and another one arriving within a few weeks. Once the position is at a standstill and new Unionist infantry units are deployed, then the African Union will make an effective counterattack.


A newly established infantry division was deployed to Dakar to defend the region while a breakout took place from this city. Towards the east, two infantry divisions were still tied down by French bombers with another unit attempting to move through Kankan to take Abidjan.


All French attempts to hold their positions in the Congo region fell apart as Bangassou was the next point of Unionist attack. The lone French militia unit was extremely outgunned and outmanned; within hours it was in retreat.


The French bombers were restationed out of Abidjan, seeing the rising threat of close Unionist forces. Thus, the two formerly pinned down divisions were granted the OK to advance. They took Abidjan without a fight and marched northwestwards in order to link up with the Dakar invasion force units.


With new equipment and weapons for the regular Unionist infantry units ready, focus was put into revitalizing the nation's military strategy and doctrine.


The eager Unionist forces in the Congo advanced too far, taking Bangui for a few hours before a sizable French army forced them to retreat. Besides that, second-line Unionist infantry were being repositioned in order to maximize the damage that will be dealt to the French in the next major offensive.


In the Sahara region, an estimated one French division was seeing itself flanked by a multitude of Unionist forces. Its final, feebly supply line was through the Saharan Desert, being operated by nomadic desert Berbers. A Unionist infantry division was being sent to break up this supply line, thus effectively cutting off the French units from their lifeline, per say.


In an attempt to postpone the inevitable, the soon-to-be surrounded French division engaged one of the Unionist units. Wishing to avoid causalities and understanding that the province in contention was not vital to the Unionist's needs, the latter forces retreated beyond the Niger River.


The new year saw a shift in the African Union's policies. Fighting for a life or death struggle in order to free much of Africa from tyrannical Vichy French reign, the African Union became completely interventionist.


In what proved to be an error in Unionist intelligence or simply the success (depending on who you are) of another French unit to be redeployed before the supply lines were completely cut, there were two French divisions in the newly created pocket. While these imperialist forces were slowly but surely losing manpower and combat organization, a Unionist infantry division was ordered to continue its advance through the Sahara in order to be at a strategic position in Tunisia and/or Algeria. Besides these few troop movements, the West African theater was essentially a success.


In the Congo theater, Unionist forces were able to reclaim its territory and advance into Vichy French regions. From the north, a militia unit was continuing to push pressure on the French. The main objective in this theater is to link up the north and south units and force the French divisions, following a series of Unionist victories, to surrender at the port city of Douala.

(I'm also posting this from Las Vegas and plan on staying here for a few more days. With that said, my next update may not be posted for 3-4 more days [hopefully at tops]. Just an FYI)

Acguy: Got it. Algeria is definitely a major priority but with French bombers, I’ve been slowed down tremendously so as to avoid losing whole divisions.

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Operation Northern Liberation- Into the Breach


The northernmost Unionist troops in the Congo attacked the nearby French colonial unit stationed at Fort-Archambault, overwhelming them by a ratio of 4:1. One militia unit was given orders to march north and take the region in an effort to link up both the West African theater units and the Congo ones.


As was expected in many governmental inner circles throughout the world, including in the African Union, the United States declared war on Germany on a unilateral level. Officially, and to the relief of the Unionists, there was no military alliance between the Allies and the United States.


From the north, Fort-Lamy had been successfully captured without a fight. The French forces in the area were losing ground and fast. Time and sheer manpower were certainly not on their side.


A few days after the declaration of war by the United States, it was announced that the US, along with its associated client states, would join the Allied powers in order to combat the Axis more effectively. With this seemingly simple declaration, many dreams for a free and united Africa were completely crushed. For many months, following the increased militarization of the country, Unionist government leaders had believed that they could fight against the French, British, Belgians, and South Africans in a war, if they were tied up in a European conflict. However, the advent of the United States to the Allied side has drastically tipped the balance of power in Africa for the worst. American soldiers, some of the best-trained and well-equipped in the world, would make no hesitation to lead on Unionist soil and purge these “anti-democratic rebels” from the world. Seeing as how the Union is still at war with the Axis Powers, attempting to reach out and ally with them as a means of liberating Africa remains impossible. And as such, the African Union would have to truly re-examine what should be done following the conclusion of Operation Northern Liberation.


Japan was a potential candidate for creating closer relations. Many Unionists had admired Japan for its resiliency in light of British and American imperialists. Thus, trade deals were sent forth to the country in order to forge stronger bonds between both nations. The recent event in Siam only re-echoed the Unionist belief that Japan was truly a powerful nation that had support from even the smaller nations, in this case Siam.


The northernmost Unionist unit, which was marching out of the Sahara, was given an immediate stop order upon taking heavy bombardment from French aircraft. In an effort to avoid being completely eliminated as a fighting force, the soldiers were told to dig in and essentially take the pounding. Continuing to march would surely destroy the division.


Once it was determined that the encircled French units posed no more of a threat, the four regional Unionist divisions were given the OK to sweep the region and capture the demoralized, starving French soldiers. In addition to this operation, a Unionist unit was marching eastwards to assist in the actions in Cameroon while another was proceeding north in order to establish a position in Morocco.


In what proved to be a tit-for-tat exchange of engagements, the Unionist forces in Fort-Archambault were forced to rout while at the same time a much largest army engaged the attacking French forces from the eastern flank, forcing them to pull out of much more strategic city of Bangui.


The French counterattack continued northwards, forcing the Unionist soldiers centered at Fort-Lamy to pull back. Although the French were winning small tactical victories, Unionist generals knew that the imperialists were overextending themselves and were in perfect positions to be decimated.


The Imperial State of Iran, accused of fostering too pro-Nazi feelings, was divided and occupied by Soviet and British forces. Such a blatant violation of national sovereignty served to create even greater hostility towards both these huge countries.


With the West African front essentially wrapped up, one of the regional Unionist militia units was embarked upon the transport fleet, colloquially known as the Unionist Navy. The fleet proceeded south towards the French island territory of Madagascar.


Once again, the region of Cameroon saw much combat occurring back and forth. The Unionist reserve forces were giving marching orders north into French territory and west to reinforce the current troops stationed there. In the town of Ngaoundere, the occupying Unionist unit, upon facing heavy fire from enemy troops, retreated towards the now secured city of Bangui. Two Unionist infantry divisions engaged the invading French unit, forcing it to pull back. Instead of pursuing the fleeing enemy, these two divisions headed southwestwards towards Yaounde.


With Ouezzane captured without a fight, this region would become a central staging point for Unionist operations in North Africa. Some divisions from the West African theater were being redeployed to Ouezzane while the occupying unit began advancing west tow take Agadir.


Both major cities of Madagascar were taken from the French regime. Greeted as liberators, the sole Unionist unit encountered no resistance, neither from the France nor the civilian population.


The isolated French unit at Fort-Lamy began a fighting retreat towards Fort-Archambault, where unknown to them, Unionist troops were already marching upon. It soon became clear that these French troops would be overwhelmed from all flanks.

Ok, I’m going to Athens this time so I don’t think I’ll be able to post an update for 2-3 days. Until then, stay strong and pray for the African Union!

I’ll respond to you guys later today; I have to go somewhere but just wanted to post this update.

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Operation Northern Liberation- North African Excursion


The offensive in northwest Africa went very well, with occupying French troops in Marrakech being forced to retreat. The occupation of this strategic city could result in effectively splitting the French North African army in half.


With Casablanca devoid of French soldiers, two Unionist divisions were given orders to storm the city and its associated area. Although the unit that took Marrakech began retreating following a massed attack, an estimated 2 French divisions were surrounded at Mogador; they would be the first large-scale units to surrender to Unionist division.*


Around 30,000 French soldiers laid down their arms at Mogador, giving the Unionist army free control of the region.


With the pre-planned defense doctrine a reality, Generals Battershill continued researching on improving the nation’s military organization. The next priority was the central planning doctrine.


With Oran lacking any French troops as well, it was given the OK as a target for an amphibious assault. One Unionist infantry division took the city and began digging in.


In the Congo theater, five Unionist divisions engaged the final French bastion at Douala. With his back to the sea and no chance for reinforcements, General Dentz surrendered to the Unionist army, successfully ending all major enemy resistance in the area.


A simultaneous Unionist advance took place along a broad front just south of Spanish North Africa. The wavering French units, made up of militia and HQ units, both of which were unfit to defend a large expanse of land on their own, retreated.


A major upset for the Unionist Navy occurred in the Gulf of Almeira when a Unionist division was being transported to the Oran theater. The transports were ambushed by an assortment of French destroyers and subs. One transport was sunk completely while two others were in critical condition. The Unionist Navy would cease operations indefinitely in order to repair and recover from its devastating losses.


French Foreign Minister Paul Baoudoin, after gaining diplomatic permission, went to the African Union Parliament, laying down what the French government was willing to concede in order for peace. Stressing the importance of maintaining certain African colonies, Mr. Baoudoin stated that the African Union could have all of the French territories with the exception of Tunisia, greater Casablanca, greater Dakar, and greater Abidjan. Immediately following this offer, everyone in the chamber stood up and publicly mocked him. President Mitchell gave the French Foreign Minister another set of demands in which France would simply hold control over a few overseas Caribbean territories as well as France proper. The African Union truly believed that the French government would reject this proposal but these are the demands that the government will continue to fight this war for; a liberated French-free Africa.


As expected, the French government threw the offer out the window, stating that it will continue to fight until the “anarchistic rabble” in the French African colonies is eliminated.


With nothing but French bombers temporarily slowing the advance of certain Unionist units, the advance towards Algiers and Tunis was going very well. The only French unit in sight was a headquarters garrison stationed at Algiers. A concentrated attack on the city would surely result in a strategic victory for the Unionists.


Unionist generals came to realize that Vichy France held other colonies in addition to Africa. The question of whether or not to send an occupying division to these islands in the Caribbean/South American was brought up. The general consensus was that, if the transports could reach the islands, and all of North Africa was liberated, then these areas would be ripe for the taking.**



The Japanese declaration of war against the Allied powers did not come as a surprise to the African Union. Rather, it was seen as a golden opportunity, for the imperialists in Africa now have a real threat facing them in Asia and hopefully the Middle East.

After having Unionist ambassadors determine the potential of joining one of the three major alliances (not the Axis because the Union is still at war with them), the Japanese bloc was considered by far the best in terms of becoming a part of. With a bit of influence, an alliance with Japan would be very feasible.


A move towards Hawk Lobby was in order, so as to increase manpower growth and work towards lowering production costs.


The battle of Algiers was successful for the African Union not only because one of the most important African cities was taken but also because a French HQ unit was captured. The capture of such a “toy” as one Unionist officer called it, no doubt hurt the French army’s reputation and IC investments put into building it.


With the occupation of Algiers, units were ordered to move east and take over the remaining French territories.


With that said, all of Vichy French-held Africa was soon under Unionist control. French bombers were still harassing Unionist troops but it was without a doubt a glorious moment for the African Union.


*There was more than 1 French division in the sector, for sure. I know at least 2-3 divisions were surrounded and were lacking supplies in the Fort-Archambault region but I stopped paying attention to this front to make sure things were going ok in North Africa. So, they could have easily been dissolved as fighting units from no supplies.

**In addition, I just realized that the French have a colony at Reunion which is near Madagascar. It has no VP, no IC, no resources, etc but it is still in “Africa”. Should I just send a militia unit to take it over or not even bother?

(Happy Easter!)