[Zimbabwe] The Formation of UZACOM

[JJSmithJr]

"I am a bit confused by the criticism leveled against Zaire here, in no way did we suggest that Zaire should take over and lead Zimbabwe, I simply suggested a plan of action that was well actionable, the fact of the matter is there is little legitimacy here, and little action being taken. We all sit here and the people are literally starving. It is an amazing feat that we are all even safe considering the city has been without security and food for over a month now.

This organization is teetering on the brink of absurd, and to top that all off the majority of the European contingent has decided to insult my nation, our leaders, and our commitment to our neighbors, all while they use our air ports and air bases as logistical air bridges free of charge. The plan must be made and presented, and if necessary let it be made and presented by Zimbabwe, but if an actionable plan, a clear and actionable plan that restores stability to the nation isn't presented here, Zaire will simply pull out, and halt the use of its strategic air space."

Bruno J.Hyde Drivindeath Strix

 

[Bruno]

The Ambassador would be confused to the Zairian outburst.

"We in no way meant to disrespect Zaire, it was just constructive criticism, and we didn't even mention or suggest Zaire was taking over Zimbabwe. Perhaps you misinterpreted our words of advice."

JJSmithJr J.Hyde Drivindeath Strix

 

[J.Hyde]

Logan Drivindeath Flying Damascas JJSmithJr Alex Strix Naio90 Bruno

"That's enough!" Trevor said forcefully, while slamming his hand down onto the desk to grab everyone's attention. "We are all getting ahead of ourselves when we all have the same goal in mind.

Ambassador Nwuzela, no one is criticising your country's character or intentions. Your nation is instrumental in allowing this entire effort to exist. Without you, none of the others present would be able to get aid into Zimbabwe. However, you are right, the logistical problem you've highlighted is an existential crisis. If we cannot increase the tonnage arriving in Mugabe International quickly, Harare Province will begin to starve. When you're hungry, you'll do anything. It would not surprise me if the people become desperate and begin tearing themselves apart, and tear the detachments everyone present have dispatched to Zimbabwe apart in search of food aid that has already been exhausted.

Your suggestion about a one billion dollar loan is welcome, Mr. Ambassador, but it's not quick enough. Establishing city farms and the like will take time to find suitable land and grow crops. Time we do not have. Furthermore, since the Zimbabwean dollar is a dead currency, due to there being no government to back it, people can't buy food and water. There is little point in establishing commercial enterprises that can import goods from abroad, if there's no money to pay the importers, and for the citizenry to purchase from the newly formed enterprises.

So, here's what we shall do. Mr. Ambassador; I am more than happy to accept your loan offer, subject to a few changes of the repayment terms, to potentially work on bringing all former Zimbabwean currency out of circulation, and replace it with the American dollar. The exchange rate, before the government collapsed, was one American dollar to one hundred Zimbabwean dollars. We can peg the exchange rate at that and use the US dollar for all currency matters in Zimbabwe until a new currency, if any, can be established.

Deployments of forces are to be, as Zaire suggested, postponed or reduced drastically in size until we can sort the logistics issue. We cannot hope to secure the capital if everyone is starving to death. Hopefully, an appeal to the international community for borrowing, providing, or leasing cargo aircraft will alleviate the most pressing issue to some degree. Next, we must try and secure alternative routes into the country."

Trevor retrieved a map of Zimbabwe with its railways overlaid upon it for the committee to see.

"I've highlighted the railway infrastructure that exists in Zimbabwe right now in green. If we are to search for an alternative route into the country. Our fastest and closest option would be the Harare-Mutare route, which links the capital with the Mozambique border. It was the main rail link from here to a port for imports and exports, specifically the port of Beira. If we were to gain the agreement of Mozambique, and secure the rail line from Mutare to Harare, we could bolster the air-bridge with supplies, equipment, and personnel, that have been landed by sea in Mozabique and then transported into the African interior by train."

 

[Alex]

"Canada will soon be in possession of a Costa Sur-class cargo ship. This ship will be able to transport a total of 6,800 tons from Canada to Zimbabwe. However, the ship will need to port somewhere. If Zaire would allow us to use the Port of Matadi then we would be able to transport the supplies via aircraft to Zimbabwe or via land through Zambia. While 6,800 tons is not enough to prevent starvation, it'll hopefully slow nation-wide famine down. The ship will be able to do these trips once every three days - roughly. In the future, Canada will attempt to secure more of these cargo ships, but as of now this is the best that we can offer."

J.Hyde JJSmithJr

 

[JJSmithJr]

Ambassador Nwuzela would rub his fingers on his temples for a few moments once again before letting out a fairly audible sigh.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen, this is why a simple and organized UZACOM command under Zaire structured through the Provisional Government of Zimbabwe is necessary. The lack of practical experience in how to drag a country away from the brink of the dark ages is obvious here. Zaire is exiting the Second Congo War, while I know especially our European counterparts may be unfamiliar with this historical event it has given the government of Zaire a unique prospective in dealing with a crisis almost exactly like the one unfolding before our very eyes.

The Provisional government misunderstands the use of the funds offered to them from Zaire, these funds are not to create new farming communities or urban farming developments, Zaire's government finds the idea of operating Harare like some kind of strange UZACOM Utopia and then slowly spreading its influence across the country side to be absurd, and as the logistical situation is proving rapidly it is absurd. The idea the Harare can exist within a vacuum without the support of the country side is insane. Even Ian Smith knew this.

Where is Ian Smith? At this rate, I'd take one Ian Smith to ten of the lackeys I have in front of me."

Ambassador Nwuzela would pause, looking at Mr. Hawkins carefully.

"You have spoken with Mr. Kabila, you should know better than to question the loyalty of Zaire to Africa and fellow Africans. You should understand that our goal here is to prevent chaos and the spread of militancy throughout the region. To do this you must accept our guidance. Stop searching and grasping for help from those who have never had the best interests of Africa at heart. Let me lay out to you the beginnings of a plan.

$1,000,000,000.00 in Zairian Loans, fixed to the International Standard, to be secured via Electronic wired encryption provided by Argentina, to the Provisional Government. This money is to be divided for the specified purposes:

The hiring of a local militia, made up of former Police Officers, presumably there were policemen in Harare before the collapse, find them with this money, hire them. Use them to Police the Capitol and send them out to the countryside.

The countryside around Harare is largely farms, presumably crops and farmers worked this land before the collapse, use your militia to hire and coop these farms to provide food for the capitol, it is the only feasible way to feed your people. This funding will be more than enough to achieve these goals, especially with the support of the Global Assembly that has been pledged as well as the peacekeepers on the ground.

Once these actions are carried out, Zaire will carry out a large scale deployment to help you secure all the major cities of Zimbabwe and keep any ensuing Buch War at bay, again I urge you to reach out to the former members of Zimbabwe who have fled the country and the Mugabe Regime, urge them to return and become the Bureaucrats and leaders of the new Zimbabwe. Their expertise is desperately needed."

Logan Drivindeath Flying Damascas JJSmithJr Alex Strix Naio90 Bruno J.Hyde

 

[Drivindeath]

" You act as if we came to Zimbabwe to concure it and not help it! Trust me Mr. Ambassador, I know about dark ages, it wasn't long ago that I found myself in the Troubles fighting my own country men and that of the Crown of England! Make no mistake we all agreed to support Zimbabwe and to allow another government to oversee this operation is completly out of the question. The Zimbabwe government should be the only ones giving directives. I am a man of freedom and peace, when I learned about the situation in Zimbabwe I volunteered to lead my peacekeepers. I am well versed in Africas past with colonization and the mistreatment throughout the decades... even centuries. I sense a major distrust towards European nations from you and while that can be understood, not all European nations are conquerors. Keep in mind some European nations have been treated the same way as Africans." Col Patrick spoke out.

J.Hyde JJSmithJr Strix Bruno Naio90 Alex Logan

 

[Bruno]

"We will not agree with a Zaire lead UZCOM, I believe it is best for the Host Nation of Zimbabwe to lead our efforts." He would be concise and cold, without paying any attention to the insults said by the Ambassador

"They know what needs to be done, and what are the priorities, I do not believe that the Zimbabwe people would take kindly to a foreign power, dictating what and shouldn't be done. Even if the country is going through a period of change. I'm also notting a certain push by Zaire to be the leader just because your nation is one point of entry. Why couldn't it then be Portugal? Ireland? Portugal as had a Ultramarine War in Africa a few years back, they also know the terrain and how to work in it. Ireland also as the another capability due to what they overcame in the past. No, we will not push any leadership of UZACOM if not the the Host Nation it self. That's were the Kingdom of Spain draws the line.

Zaire is not the only nation in this effort to offer its support towards Zimbabwe, everyone is pulling their weight at the moment, no one as any right but Zimbabwe to assume the leadership of the UZACOM."

 

[Naio90]

The argentine commander, in charge of the largest foreign aid efforts currently deployed in Zimbabwe, and that had been following the whole debate silently would speak.

"May I hear Council Head Hawkins opinion on who should be in charge of this operation? While I totally concur on the fact that Zimbabwe should be directly involved and have important influence on the decision making and planning on the efforts, I must also say that we have to rely on the experience of nations who endured similar hardships, like Zaire. Neither Argentina, nor Spain, Ireland or Canada, have gone through the missery and desperation many african societies have suffered. African nations have to work together to avoid repeating the... mistakes of the past, and they should be the ones guiding the efforst. Genuine efforts.

I would suggest that Zimbabwe and Zaire, both, take a leading role on this. They are better suited to identify the priorities than we "foreigners."

 

[J.Hyde]

Logan Drivindeath Flying Damascas JJSmithJr Alex Strix Naio90 Bruno

"Everyone, please!" Trevor said with a raised voice. "We are all here for one goal, and one goal only, which is to save around 13,000,000 lives from death, disease, and deprivation. This committee is meant to be a place where we are able to express our ideas to solve the problems that Zimbabwe is grappling with together freely. To discuss, bounce ideas off each other, plan, and analyse. We are meant to be pooling the knowledge we can all bring to the table, share it, process it, and then formulate a cohesive and decisive strategy to save lives. That is not going to happen if we are going to spend time throwing around accusations of impropriety.

I took the time to speak to your respective nation's leaders, because I knew that my country needs help. I recognised that my country cannot do this alone, I am willing to defer to those who know more than I do, because the stakes involved are too great. If I fail, men, women, and children will die by the hundreds, thousands, if not millions, because of me."

The chairman turned towards the Zairian Ambassador.

"Your Excellency," He said solemnly. "You are right that Zaire has first-hand experience in this kind of catastrophe. However, this is not your nation, sir. You can expect me to be receptive to not just your advice and suggestions, but also those of everyone present. Your suggestions thus far are indeed very helpful, and should be actioned, however I've also put forward criticisms of your suggestion's efficacy, and have put forward something that can be done in addition to your suggestion. We are not in a position to cast suggestions aside right now. Every suggestion that will open the country up, and feed the people, cannot be discarded, because lives may be lost if we do.

So, in terms of how things shall be done; Zimbabwe will be the one directing the overall effort after deep consultations with everyone present, because the input everyone is giving is of the utmost importance to ensuring that we avert a humanitarian cataclysm that will cost innocent people their lives. Are we all in agreement on this point, at the very least?"

 

[Logan]

"Agreed."

 

[Drivindeath]

"Fine"

 

[J.Hyde]

Flying Damascas JJSmithJr Alex Strix Naio90 Bruno

 

[Bruno]

"It is true that we are all in this together, all representatives here must continue to give their advice and their help towards the Zimbabwe Provisional Government, while their decision would be final. I believe this is the best outcome for the UZACOM, having a Zimbabwe Leadership will also show the country that this Provisional Government can make this nation a better place. It does reassure the nation that their Government can act and be decisive. Only good things can come out of this. And I'm sure Mr. Trevor will be more than up for the task." He would smile towards him.

"Spanish troops have landed in Zimbabwe, Mr. Trevor and are ready to begin their efforts towards helping Zimbabwe, our commander in the field, informed me that he should contact Mr. Tapiwa Mhlanga for more information is this correct?"

 

[J.Hyde]

Flying Damascas JJSmithJr Alex Strix Naio90 Bruno

"Yes, that's correct. He is the leading bureaucrat that has been hired to create the nucleus of The PEC's functional governance apparatus." Trevor replied. "His post as head of administrative affairs makes him the overall head of the bureaucratic functions of government, while his colleagues are specialising in financial and legal affairs."

 

[Drivindeath]

Col Patrick would approach the Spanish Commander who landed in Zimbabwe.

"Evening, I'm Col Patrick, 1st Infantry Battalion, 1st Brigade, of the Irish Defence Force. Pleasure to meet you. Shall I introduce you to the rest of the members that are here?"

Bruno J.Hyde

 

[J.Hyde]

Flying Damascas JJSmithJr Alex Strix Naio90 Bruno

"Very well, since I hear no signs of dissent, let's begin with our first plan of action.

With Ireland slated to become the largest contributor of personnel, they are tasked with law enforcement within the capital. The Argentinians were able to requisition various light vehicles from abandoned army barracks' across the city, you should be able to use some to bulk out your own personal inventory, if need be. Patrol the city, keep your eyes peeled for unlawful behaviour. Your rules of engagement are to use lethal force ONLY if attacked with a deadly weapon.

The Spanish shall be tasked with coordinating the humanitarian logistical effort. As was pointed out by Zaire, we are in dire need of a massive influx of food to have any hope of feeding the capital, because the current amount arriving is not good enough by a horrific margin. Until long-term measures have been established, we must endeavour to shuttle in as much food as we possibly can with the means available to us. I hope everyone present will be able to pledge the support of any transport and cargo aircraft that they are not in the process of using for the purposes of resupplying their own personnel.

Next, establishing long-term food production. Time is not on our side, so we will have to focus on establishing crops that are fast growing."

Trevor retrieved two pieces of paper and passed them round for people to look at.

"This is an unearthed document made by the former ministry of agriculture setting out the suitability of crops on Zimbabwean soil. All of the fruit or vegetables labelled in black are the most reliable crops to grow. They were cross referenced with the fastest growing crops known to man, and it's been determined that: Cress with a seed to harvest length of 7 days, Spinach with 25 days, Radishes 30 days, and Carrots, Spring Onions, and Beans with 50 to 60 days, are the priority crops to plant in every available space we can find. I believe a city-wide campaign akin to the World War 2 British policy of 'Dig For Victory' should be implemented without delay so that every windowsill, garden, and empty plot of soil, is being cultivated. In addition, Zaire's suggestion of venturing forth into the outskirts of Harare to secure any farms in the area should be actioned as well. Anything that can bolster our immediate supply of food is welcome. The Irish are in the best position to organise scouting parties due to their manpower surplus.

Argentina will have the task of distributing food, water, and medical care to the local populace. Establish communal distribution points so that the people can come and get rations of food and water, while keeping the clinics running with the assistance of Canada's detachment of Red Cross volunteers.

Finally, Portugal's pledge of bringing in civilian contractors to survey the sewer, electrical, and water systems in Harare for renovation shall go ahead with the assistance of any other engineers and other relevant personnel that aren't already occupied with other tasks.

Any remaining personnel shall be allocated to defending the humanitarian camp around Mugabe International, assisting with their nation's allocated task, or assisting in any other endeavours they are able to help with. Do we have any questions or criticisms of this plan?"

 

[Naio90]

"Understood, we will focus on the assigned tasks, as well as continue operating and servicing the Mugabe International Airport and mantain the encrypted international communication network we set up for the transitional Government."

 

[Drivindeath]

Col Patrick would speak,
"I have no objections. I will begin developing teams to patrol the capital immediately, if you could provide a map of the different sectors of the capital it would help a great deal."

J.Hyde Bruno Strix Naio90 Alex JJSmithJr

 

[Bruno]

"The Kingdom of Spain shall begin to start sending the supplies of food towards Zimbabwe. We will use helicopters to transport them over from the sea towards the Harare Airport, where the Argentinians will be able to distribute them according to the Zimbabwe Government details. However they will take a bit of time to arrive. I believe that two of our container ships will be able to supply two weeks worth of food. However I advise that some nations should also send their own cargo ships over to the international waters of Mozambique to be transported by air by the Spanish Armed Forces"

 

[J.Hyde]

Flying Damascas JJSmithJr Alex Strix Naio90 Bruno

"I hope everyone will take that advise onboard, until domestic food production is established, we will be relying on food shipped directly into the country." Trevor remarked as he rummaged around in his collection of papers to see if he could find a map of the city for The Irish. Upon realising that he did not have one, he quickly excused himself and left the room so he could search the airport's terminal area for a tourist map. Once he had found one, he quickly returned and handed it to the colonel.

"Forgive me for not having a more appropriate map of the city," He said. "But this is the best I have. In the absence of a proper bureaucracy, which is being established, we're having to make do with whatever we find."