Impfondo (1983: Doomsday)

The  Republic of Impfondo, also known simply as Impfondo, is an African nation located in the northern departments of the former nation of the Republic of the Congo, primarily consisting of the former Likuala Region, as well as parts of the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo. After Doomsday the region surrounding Impfondo was cut off from the Congolese national government in Brazzaville, and eventually developed its own independent government through years of civil war and conflict. To this day the region is plagued by war, and is largely forested and cut off from neighboring nation. Many inhabitants of the Impfondo region are cut off from urbanized areas by jungle or impassable terrain, making the nation of Impfondo very decentralized and weak.

Early History
On Doomsday the stability of the region within the Republic of the Congo virtually collapsed. Contact with Brazzaville and the national government in the west temporarily ended, with air transportation to Impfondo's airport, and travel by river from the mouth of the Congo being the region's main sources of communication and trade with the capital. Within a short amount of time the administration in Brazzaville collapsed, leaving Impfondo completely alone in its efforts to administrate the region.

Over the next few months cities such as Impfondo became overrun with refugees and traveling settlers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and inhabitants traveling north down the Ubangi River. An influx of settlers led to a housing crisis, leading to the birth of slums and poor quality of life housing around the banks of the river. Settlers also brought crime and conflict, carrying over gang violence from the south, escalating the struggle for power in the city and the efforts to control the few means of transportation or manufacturing in the city. In these early months the city of Impfondo would also contact the city of Bangui in the Central African Republic, leading to small scale trade among villages and continued conflict over resources.

Small scale mining and logging operations in the north were largely captured by powerful gangs or militants, seeking to establish sources of revenue in the post-doomsday breakup. Along the Ubangi River the slave trade of native Africans living in the north of the country grew, with many hiring slaves to work small agricultural ventures or as a form of wealth. While some relied on farming, many relied on the hunting of wild and exotic animals for consumption or trade, leading to the rise of the bushmeat markets. Poor quality meat became essential to the lives of many, who struggled to feed their families following the collapse or hostile takeover of much of the region's industry. The hunting of bushmeat also fueled the logging industry minimally, as jungles had to be cleared to reach deeper into the jungle, making slave labor logging camps a profitable venture.

The influx of Congolese refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo caused a shortage of food, and thousands died of starvation in the early months, mostly poor or homeless in the area. Despite large outputs of food in some areas, the ineffective methods of distribution and the lack of leadership in organizing food production caused food to be unevenly distributed to markets. The majority of native populations in the region continued to be supplied by small scale traditional farms, with most food remaining local and food diversity decreasing. The large scale corporate fields in operation at the time of doomsday, formally operated by corporations for the purpose of exporting to foreign nations, were largely taken over by gangs and local warlords. Rich or well equipped individuals found themselves in a position of power, able to control large amounts of farmland. With the collapse of the foreign markets, plantations once growing cash crops such as cocoa and coffee were converted to wheat and other edible crops, guarded closely by local warlords, and worked by low income workers or slaves. Over the next few years the region would be plagued with conflict between land owners and refugees and other inhabitants from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, causing many casualties and the displacement of thousands. The development of these factions, however, would create a series of loosely connected local states, in control of large portions of the region's food production.

Civil War
During the early months post-doomsday, despite the loss of the majority of the Likuala Region, much of the city of Impfondo itself managed to stay in the hands of the regional government, formally subordinate to the national government in Brazzaville. The Impfondo government was a Marxist-Leninist socialist state under the control of the Congolese Party of Labour. The nation had a single party system, which although claiming to be designed after a Soviet-style socialist party-state government, was essentially a military dictatorship, in which the party retained order through the use of armed force. As the months after doomsday progressed, the nation of Impfondo became even more so under a military regime, with the party using force to control parts of the city.

After only a few months without national support, the city of Impfondo was already divided among rival gangs and local warlords who sought to establish a dictatorship under their own rule. Violence within the city increased heavily, with the government struggling to control large portions of the region. Eventually many in the city began to view the government as another major gang, rather than an organized government, lowering its legitimacy as a proper government.

Many of the nation's citizens called for the return of authority, including a military force capable of protecting the city of Impfondo. These protests were largely combated by the government however, keeping the government in control for some time. In the summer of 1984 the situation worsened when crop yields reached an all time low in urban markets, with many fields devastated or fueling local factions. Many citizens sought to directly combat the powerful warlords in control of trade along the Ubangi River and in nearby fields, and soon disorganized militia contributed to the fighting. On 1 July 1984 the Pan-Impfondo Union for Social Democracy was founded in opposition to the city's government, calling for the establishment of a multi-party system. Its leader, Joseph Kignoumbi Kia Mboungou, mostly operated in the city, while the majority of the organization quickly grew into a militant force, striking against wealthy targets across the region.

The uneven distribution of crops and supplies by the government party and many regional warlords eventually culminated in an uprising in Impfondo. Largely peaceful at first, the situation fell apart when on 20 July 1984 the government called for the forceful removal of all Democratic forces, including civilians. The decision was partially motivated by an alliance between the government and a series of warlords in control of nearby fields. These operations had become at risk by the Democratic rebels, and the party leaders sought to preserve their own wealth and financial security by neutralizing this threat. Another motivation was the need to ensure the party's continued success in the future, preventing a multi-party system from dislodging the powerful grasp of the party's elite.

Known as the Impfondo Massacre, the swift government crackdown against Democratic forces caused massive upheaval in the city. Many joined the rebel cause, strengthening the militia's numbers. The event also spread the fame of the various powers in the conflict, leading to the eventual alliance between Democratic and rival gang factions in opposition of the party. On 27 July 1984 Joseph Kignoumbi Kia Mboungou personally fled Impfondo along with the Democratic party's leadership, having fought a bloody eight day battle during the withdraw. The city's docks along the Ubangi River were heavily damaged, while nearby marketplaces were largely looted or ransacked. The start of the massacre and the subsequent backlash is largely considered to be the official start of the Impfondo Civil War, beginning several years of conflict between Democratic and government forces.

The majority of Democratic forces fled east to the town of Bomongo, past the border of the former Republic of the Congo. Situated along the Ngiri River, the region was sparsely populated and surrounded by swamp forest running from the Ubangi to the Congo rivers, allowing rebel forces to evade attack. Resistance against the government in the next several months became more of an unorganized insurgency. Training camps along the Ngiri trained small groups of Democratic forces, but were unable to strike against fortified targets due to their spread out nature. Eventually the war became a struggle over resources and farmland, with the winning faction being the one who could accumulate the most wealth to supply the war, and contain the region's inhabitants.

The first major battle involving Democratic forces and government organized forces from Impfondo was the Battle of Kungu, fought near a small village at the northern end of the Kgiri, several miles to the northeast from the town. A government sponsored militia utilizing superior government weaponry and technology departed from the Ubangi River, north of the city of Impfondo, and had headed east hoping to traverse into the Congo along some of the more hospitable territory. The operation became a month long conflict from roughly 26 December 1984 to 2 February 1985, consisting of fierce guerrilla warfare and skirmish encounters between various militant groups. The government led forces had been tipped off past the border that the Pan-Impfondo Union for Social Democracy had established a presence in the town of Kungu, and sought to capture its regional leadership. Unknown specifically to the government was the series of training camps in operation near the town, creating a moderately sized army in opposition to the advancing forces.

On 26 December the government forces were ambushed by enemy militia, pinning down the main section of the army's supply lines and causing the army overall to halt. A good section of the army however had detached and had scouted ahead, leaving dozens of soldiers in unknown jungle terrain. Over the course of the afternoon into the morning of 27 December the ambush was slowly broken up as the various insurgents did battle through out the night. The forward supply line of the advancing army was left destroyed, but the rebel forces were pushed back into the jungle. Over the course of the next few days the remaining government forces would be locked in battle as the main army recovered. Faced against larger numbers the government forces eventually managed to push toward Kungu. Fighting within the city continued into 2 February causing heavy damage to the town and the civilian population. Some of the heaviest fighting occurred that evening, with the defending forces stalling the attackers, giving the regional leadership in the region time to retreat. By morning the town was abandoned and the government forces entered with no resistance. The town was taken, but the invaders failed to accomplish their goal of capturing any notable resistance leadership, and at heavy cost. The government forces also found that over the course of the next few months they would struggle to return back west and secure even the smallest amount of territory in the region.

Following the fighting near Kungu the Democratic forces began a fierce campaign into the region east of Impfondo using fresh militants trained in the Congo, harassing government supply lines and engaging in brief skirmishes with various government sponsored groups. Many of the original forces sponsored by the government that had fought in Kungu and in the many guerrilla campaigns became heavily exhausted, and many deserted as their various warlord's individual interests became at threat. The unorganized forces were also plagued by infighting, leading to a breakdown in an adequate defense against the Democratic rebels.

In the city of Impfondo itself a deadly campaign by the government had led to the imprisonment, torture, and execution of hundreds of believed Democratic rebels or sympathizers. This method was used to control the general population, although results varied. Since the conclusion of the civil war, many look at this action as an act of genocide, with many studies finding the imprisoned to be primarily from different ethnic minorities. The lack of well kept records however make this claim hard to prove, and also cover up exact number of casualties. By the end of 1985 violence in the city and other major towns had escalated heavily, causing the government to institute a series of laws that made political violence punishable by death and property confiscation. In practice however these laws were poorly executed if at all, instead being used as justification for the random acts of retaliation perpetrated by government aligned gangs.

On 29 January 1986 a battle broke out in Impfondo itself between government and Democratic forces. The autumn and winter of 1985 had been spent by the Democratic movement smuggling troops and supplies into the city, preparing for a possible coup to overthrow the government once and for all. Across the region a fierce and costly battle for the nation's resources had left the rebels with a slight advantage for the first time in the conflict, allowing the rebels to muster more support from local gangs within the city. When these infiltrators and rival gangs finally initiated their attack in January of 1986 the fighting broke out into the streets, causing massive damage to the city. Several days later on 2 February the majority of the government forces were discovered to be dead, and the Democratic faction declared the success of the Republic of Impfondo. Fighting continued over the course of the next few weeks as the new government struggled to retain control. Over time a number of warlords in the region would claim to be the successor the the socialist movement, although they would be primarily motivated by the desire to take over the nation for themselves, rather than any specific installation of political system. The various rebellious factions would be loosely united into an armed forces, ordered by the new regime to combat the Socialist insurgents and enemy gangs that still operated outside of the city. The new government found however that their army was of very poor discipline, and with the civil war over many of its soldiers deserted or returned to their individual allegiances, leaving the government with many disorganized groups across the country.

Democratic Government
With the former government now deposed, the Democratic faction selected an eleven man committee from the Pan-Impfondo Union for Social Democracy to serve as an interim government, with Joseph Kignoumbi Kia Mboungou as the head of the committee. This provisional government was to govern the nation until formal elections could take place the following year. The rule of the interim government was turbulent, with infighting within the government slowing progress. Various other democratic parties also surfaced, pushing various goals, and often in conflict with the interim committee. During this time the nation also faced various insurgencies from several factions and gangs, causing conflict from the civil war to spill over into the next few years. With government property now in the open markets fierce feuds between local gangs fought over the spoils of the war.

The interim government did however succeed in passing a number of pro-industry laws, helping to rebuild the damaged city of Impfondo, often benefiting government aligned businesses. Funding from the government recreated the city's docks, bringing in much needed revenue and supplies from neighboring communities. Administration and centralization however remained fairly low, making it hard for the government to profit from tax collection in distant towns. Eventually the unofficial rule of warlords was recognized by the government in an effort to end violence and increase their manpower against warring factions, creating the basis of regional government.

In 1987 the nation held their first democratic election since its establishment, and the first in the former Republic of the Congo since 1961. The majority of seats in the government were won by the Pan-Impfondo Union for Social Democracy, officially electing Joseph Kignoumbi Kia Mboungou as president. The government's ability to rule was hindered by unrest, and in 1993 a coalition of opposition groups, supported by personal militias, accused Kignoumbi Kia Mboungou of rigging the elections. This caused widespread resistance, and after almost two years of uneasy rule a civil war broke out in the city of Impfondo when Kignoumbi Kia Mboungou engaged militia under Paul Kaya, accusing Kaya of an attempted coup against the government. Kaya manged to escape the attack however and organized his forces for a counterattack against the government.

Impfondo Democratic War
The ensuing civil war that broke out in Impfondo in 1989 became known as the Impfondo Democratic War. Fought between various internal factions in the government, and rival parties and gangs, the war escalated as differing powers within the nation aligned to certain sides, seeking to secure a loyal or favorable government to their individual organizations.

Much of the capital city of Impfondo was damaged in the fierce fighting that broke out there over the next four months. In October 1989 an army assembled from factions within the military and various militias ousted Kignoumbi Kia Mboungou from Impfondo, causing his regime to flee. With the city and most of the nation's major towns taken, Kaya declared himself president and appointed a thirty three man government from loyal leaders in the war. Kignoumbi Kia Mboungou continued a successful insurrection against the government, causing Kaya to seek a peaceful settlement.

Kaya's regime called together a national assembly in January 1990 to determine the duration and specific procedures for the transitional government. Unevenly loyal to the existing regime, the assembly decided that elections should not be held for approximately three years. The group also elected a transition advisory legislature, and announced that a constitutional convention would finalize a draft constitution. This progress was stalled by a large outbreak of violence in late 1990 when Kignoumbi Kia Mboungou's army and several militant factions ended the peace with the government and begin heavy fighting. The war would continue into 1991, causing the heavy destruction of the nation's remaining infrastructure, large loss of life, and displacement of inhabitants across the nation. Overall Kaya's regime would be successful and Kignoumbi Kia Mboungou was forces to flee into exile. A cease fire would be signed with a number of rebellious gangs in 1991, however sporadic insurgency would continue for years later.

Kaya Regime
Kaya begin his term as president shifting the nation's political structure toward a personal dictatorship. Political repression became essential to retaining control, and alongside his hand picked provisional government, Kaya managed to appease much of the nation's inhabitants with investments in rebuilding the nation and repairing infrastructure. Trade routes with distant towns were reconnected with the city of Impfondo. Kaya also invested in the logging industry, clearing areas for farms and roads, and also supplying the nation with supplies of lumber. Kaya's unrestricted subsidy of certain companies allowed him to accumulate a good amount of personal wealth, and also helped grow illegal or gang-related markets, such as the increased sale of bushmeat.

In 1994 the provisional government held its first election. The election would become heavily controversial with Kaya receiving almost the entirety of votes. Kaya's main opponents were also prevented from running, while the opponents that were able to run chose to boycott or oppose the elections. Following his election as president Kaya instituted a new constitution, extending his powers, increasing the presidential term to a length of seven years, and instituting a new bicameral assembly. Many feared these reforms brought the nation closer to its former system under a single party, and almost immediately protests broke out against Kaya. In the south of the nation an insurrection broke out against the government in favor of a rival candidate, which did not officially end until one year later.

Geography
The majority of Impfondo's territory is covered with dense forests and jungles, often flooded or sprinkled with various lakes and ponds. The large amount of bodies of water supply the nation with fish, and also provide some methods of transportation. The nation's soil is argillaceous and sandy in some sections, while the northern section of the nation is more mountainous, influenced by the Massif Oubanguien.

Climate
Impfondo has a tropical climate, with a dry season lasting from March to July. The remainder of the year is dominated by the rainy season, when precipitation is at its height.

Rivers
Rivers and other waterways play an important part in the economy and lifestyle of Impfondo's citizens. The city of Impfondo itself resides upon the Ubangi River, which serves as an important waterway running from the the city of Bangui in the Central African Republic, to the many nations and communities surrounding the city of Brazzaville, former capital of the Republic of the Congo. Other rivers include the Likuala-aux-herbes, Libenga and Motaba, which all connect different communities with distant towns within the nation. Many communities rely on these rivers to catch fish, which suppl their local communities, despite high pollution in most areas.

Agriculture
Agriculture in Impfondo is essential to the continued sustainability of the nation's population. The majority of the nation's farmland is worked in the traditional sense, owned and operated by a small number of individuals for the purpose of sustaining individual communities and local areas. More recently large plantations have arisen in the nation, sponsored by different warlords and gangs, as a way to make profit and support military campaigns. Many of the largest plantations are owned or operated by militant groups, who use the supplies directly toward continued military force. The principal crops in Impfondo include manioc, banana, and taros. Coffee and cocoa and palm oil is also commonly produced, usually for sale in urban markets.

Government
The Republic of Impfondo follows the framework of a multi-party system, and a presidential republic, with a president who is both head of state and head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government, while legislative power is exercised by both the government and the nation's two chambers of parliament. Originally the nation's political system was based very closely on the former Republic of the Congo's system, which in turn was based on the nation of France. Alterations have since been made to this model however, led by President Kaya, who in 1994 instituted a new constitution that implemented a seven year term and a bicameral assembly.

Administrative Divisions
The Republic of Impfondo is divided into eight départements (departments). These departments are: