PRESS: Mfasan Broadcasting Network

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

War In Europe


Late last night, Russian forces launched an massive invasion of the Nordic Unin after weeks of high tensions between these two nations. As a responce, several European nations have declared war on Russia. The Latin Union has declared it's intentions to defend their allies, the Nordic Union against Russian aggression.

This is of particular interest for Southern Africa, as the Republic of KaNgwane is an ally of the Latin Union.
Already, the debate is ongoing in KaNgwane whether or not, the Republic will enter the war on the Latin side, should the Latin Union declare war on Russia.
A growing anti-war movement in KaNgwane has already led to the ANC denouncing the war and denouncing any KaNgwanese entrance into the war. Several anti war rallies have already been held and according to several polls, the is strong opposition to the war in the public.
The KaNgwanese Nasionale Party, however, has declared their intentions of supporting the Latin Union in thecase of war.

In Narundi, several demonstrations took place as several thousands took to the streets to condemn the Russian invasion. One demonstration formed outside the Russian embassy and scuffles broke pout between demonstrators and the riot police protecting the embassy. About ten people was arrested when they tried to force their way past police. After several instances of demonstrators trowing stones at the embassy itself, riot police forces the demonstrators back, away from the embassy. Allthough tensions were high, the situation was relatively calm.

On Victoria Boulevard, a large demonstration took place as demostrators marched from Victoria Square to the Parliament. As police stood by and watched, the demonstration carried on peacefully and many demonstrators even chitchatted with police.  At Parliament, repressentatives of the demonstrations held speeches against the Russian invasion and in support of the Nordic Union.

The Government responce to the Russian invasion has been a swift condemnation of Russin aggression and a voice of support to the Nordic Union. A special session of Parliament will take place tomorrow to further discuss the situation.

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Violent Insurgent Attack in the Port of Tontan


Only a few hours ago in the Simalian capital of Tontan, a violent and well coodrinated insurgent attack hit the port and several ships carrying foreing military supplies to the Simalian Government. The attack happened early in the morning while large freighters from Warlordia, Xibeigou, Russia, Praugsia and Austria where being tugged into the port to unload their military cargo and troops. Suddenly, explosions rocked the port area as tugboat after ug boat exploded, one explosion spread to a Warlordian ship that was heavily damaged by the explosion. After the initial explosions, RPGs was fired from shore at the freigthers bridges. Many of the the targetetd ships have been heavily damagaed and several are burning. Few minuttes after the attack, Simali militia arrived and began securing the dock area and a fierce firefight erupted between the milita and insurgents.

Our reporter in Tontan, James Hedtley, reported that he can still hear small arms fire from the dock area which have now been complete surrounded by Simali forces. Furthermore the harbor is still filled with burning and heavily damaged ships and large areas of the water in the port is covered in burning oil from the destroyed tug boats and some of the damaged cargo ships. He also reported that a Xibeiguo ships carrying troops have been heavily damaged and there must be a staggering amount of casualties on that ship.
This attack is the latest in a long line of attacks by the insurgent forces. Some weeks ago insurgent forces captured several rural villages and began massacering the inhabitants. In one village some 878 men, women and children were murdered. The few survivors that survived have told new reporters that the men were lined up and shot while most younger women were raped, often by as many as 10 insurgents. The elderly woment were often beaten to death, while the childen were shot or drowned.
International Red Cross has for months asked for supplies from the international community.

Due to the attack of this morning, the Mfasan Government will meet later this day to discuss if the military advisor team that have been offered to the Simali governmnet, will still be sent.

Recent weeks of insurgent attacks in Simalia has worried Governments around the world and some experts have already begun to question the abilityof the Simali Government to secure law and order and provide stability ion the nation.

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Islamic Republics of Babylon Collapses, Israel Re-emerges


After months of political turmoil in the Islamic Republics of Babylon, the Prime Minister and his entire government died in a violent terrorist attack in Babylon, leaving the nation without leadeship. The opposition desparetely tried to form a new government but that failed. In the days following the collaps of the Governments, several provinces, including that of Israel, declared independence from the Islamic Republics. These events caused the Islamic Republics military to collapse as men began deserting or defecting, in some areas entire regiments defected or simply left for home. In the capital, massive crowds began surrounding the Parliament and tensions began running high, and in the early afternoon, the demonstration turned violent as demonstrators tried to storm the Parliament. Riot police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. According to preliminary reports some 900 have been arrested and 354 have been injuried, including 57 policemen. In the following days, the violence escalated as various factions tried to take control of teir respective parts of the country.

In Iraq, parts of the Islamic Republican military tried to reestablish control as Shiite and Kurdish militia's had seized control of their respective areas. To the North, heavy street fighting in Mosul, forced the Islamic Republican military to withdraw. Some days later the Republic of Kurdistan was declared inderpendent. To the south a rebellion by the Shiite has escalated into full scale civil war. The Shiite militia, consisting of several former army regiments and local militia, have assaulted a Islamic Republics brigade in Basra.

In Israel, the collapse of the Islamic Republics Government was recieved with jubilations as Jews and Arabs alike, took to the street in celebrations after the fall of the Government. In Jerusalem, houndreds of thousands took to the street and fireworks lit the evening and night skies above. The provisorial government already formed in Israel has taken full control of the Israeli Defence Forces, once part of the Islamic Republics Military and a declaration of inderpendence have already been issued.
   

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Happy New Year


At midnight around one million had assembeled on the Victoria Square in Central Narundi to celebrate the New Year. As the clock on Narundi Cathedral struck twelve, the crowds erupted in celebration and the biggest ever fireworks display in Mfasaland's history was seen. In all major cities the down town areas were transformed into a giant party as people celebrated New Year.

Traditionally, His Majesty, the King had held his New Year Speech at 7 o'clock P.M. In it his Majesty addressed the issues that Mfasan society and the seeming end to the recession. He also mentioned that he felt that, overall, this year had been a good one for Mfasaland and that he had high hopes for the future. His Majesty also spoke about the precarios situation abroad and the recent conflicts that had engulfed Europe and Africa. He ended his speech with a greetings to the men and women of the Armed Forces serving at home and abroad. As always the speech attracted huge viewer numbers.

Overall this New Year went by without much incident and the Office of the Chief of the Constabulary reports that police had some 13 % less calls to respond to this year. On the other hand ambulance services had a rise of 3 %. Primarily these were cases of drunk people having been injured.
Injuries resulting from fireworks have been on the same level as the last 5 years, with some 254 incidents, mostly light injuries.


Revolution in Austria


While the New Year in most of the World was peacefull and delightfull, in Austria the New Year passed with the sounds of guns and small arms, instead of fireworks. In the recent weeks the Socialist Repulic of Austria has slipped into chaos as the Chancellor committed suicide after the death of his wife. The crises turned violent around New Years eve and several factions have taken control over parts of the country. The Socialist government still controls most the Eastern part of the country including the capital of Vienna, minus a small section of the southern border, St Pölten and a section of the border area at the Austrian-Hungarian border. Most of the Western part of the country is controlled by a Fascist group known as Das Reinste (The Pure). This rascist fascist group aims at expelling non Austrians from the country. The central part of Austria, including St. Pölten and an areas at the Austrian-Hungarian border at Eisenstadt is under the control of the Austrian Imperial Revivalists, a faction trying to reestablish the Habsburg Monarchy to the throne. Finally a small faction, Austria Liberation Front is in effective control of the city of Graz and it's immediate environs.

So far the civil war in Austria has not resulted in any reponce from the international community. Prime Minister John F. Henry has refused to comment on the situation and so has William B. Royce, Minister of Foreign Affairs.


Mfasan Forces Engage Simali Rebels


In Simalia, the Coalition forces of Praugsia, Warlordia, Austria and Mfasaland, together with Loyalist forces of the Simali government, has been attacking rebel forces in the Eastern town of Hurs and the Southern town of Al-Arudia, both strategic centers and strongholds of the rebel army.
On their way to link up with Warlordian Forces, the Mfasan Epeditionary Force, MEF, was attacked by several light mobile rebel forces. The resulting battle lasted some three hours, the MEF battles the rebels. The lightly armed rebels were, allthough they fought fiercely, no match for the armoured APC's and IFV's of the MEF and they were continuesly repulsed by Mfasan soldiers. The well trained and equipped Mfasan soldiers countered every move by the rebels. After the battle 45 rebels were caputered while early reports indicate some 130 rebel dead and wounded, whith only six Mfasan soldiers killed and ten wounded.

The MEF quickly reorganized and regroupped and continued it's advance unmolested to join up with the Warlordian forces around Al-Arudia. As a direct response to the rebel attack, the Government has annoucned that a helicopter squadron and an addtional artillery battalion will be deployed to Simalia.

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Piracy Flares up Again off the Horns of Africa


After the collapse of the Royal African Republic some months ago, piracy has again begun to be a serious problem in the waters of the Horn of Africa. This comes after a period of significant curbing of piracy as the the Royal African Republic effective curbed piracy. Now however, with the collapse of the RAR, piracy has yet again increased to previous levels. In the last months several ships have been attacked and some hijacked by Somali and Yemenite pirates operating from Somalia or Yemen.

In the last couple of weeks, pirate have become more and more audacious as they have begun striking at ships further and further away from their home ports and safe heavens. Early reports from sources in Somalia claims that entire coatal towns and villages have become pirate controlled bases and towns, from where piracy has become a major enterprise and a significant part of the local economy. Several Warolords are reported to have a significant hold over piracy which has become a lucrative source of income for many of them.

Last week, two Mfasan merhant ships was attacked in international waters as they were heading for Basra in the Persian Gulf. Only the use of water hoses saved them from being hijacked by the pirates. One ship, the NSS Blue Star was damaged in the attack as two rpg's slammed into the upper part of the superstructure, wounding one crew member and starting a minor fire. The ship turned about and sailed into Mombasa harbor for repairs.
The rise in piracy in the area is a significant threat to the vital shippping lanes and could have an impact of the regional economy if left unchecked.

Yesterday, Parliament approved a motion to send a naval task force to provide security for shipping and to hunt down pirates in the area.
 

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Austrian Emperor Crowned For The First Time In 94 Years

Yesterday, the new Habsburg Emperor of Austria was crowned in Vienna. Maximillian IV was crowned in a lavish and traditional ceremoney in Vienna, which has recently been captured by Austrian Imperialists forces. As the procession passed through the city, it was cheered by large crowds who had come to show their support for the reestablishment of the Habsburg monarchy, who until 1918, had ruled Austria since the 16th century.
The restoration of the Habsburg monarchy, was, just months ago, nearly inconceivable by anyone.

The Imperialist forces have gathered more and more popular support since the New Year Revolution. The military situation of the socialist government is looking increasingly bleak as Imperialist forces have captured several large areas and the capital of Vienna. The situation for the Socialist government is even worse now that Praugsian forces have entered the conflict on the side of the Imperialists.
Praugsian forces have already made some incursions into Austrian territory and the combined offensive have cut the socialist government zone of control in half.

In the east, the fascist Das Reinste group continue to have full control of all major cities and provinces. After recent events, it seems now that the socialist government will have a nearly impossible task regaining full control of Austria. 

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Dealing with Piracy


As a response to the increase in piracy in the Gulf of Aden and around the Horn of Africa, the Government and Parliament has approved the prolonging of the deployment of the naval task force to the region to combat piracy as part of Operation Watcher. Piracy has continued to increase in the last couple of weeks, resulting in even more attacks on merchant ships. Yesterday, two merchant ships, one from Panama and one from Brazil, was attacked northeast of the island of Socotra. Both ships managed to repulse the attackers, and with the intervention of the corvette RMNS Patriarch, one of the pirate vessels were stopped and 10 pirates were apprehended.

In another part of the operation, Mfasan soldiers and engineers have begun constructing a small military airfield and outpost on the small island of Abd al Kuri, which is part of the Socotra Archipelago. The islands have become a safe heaven for pirates since the collapse of Aksum and the Royal African Republic.


Election Campaign Has Begun


The election campaign is only 10 months off and the debate has already begun as the Social Demokratic Party has announced their election promises. Party leader  Abraham D. Abile has long criticized the Governments handling of the global economic crises. Other than that he has long wished for an expansion of the welfare system.
Prime Minister John F. Henry has dismissed Abraham D. Abile’s accusations and has said that this government has done everything it can  to guide Mfasaland through the economic crises. He points to the fall in unemployment and low dept of the country. Furthermore he has pointed out that an end to the crises does not come in one or two days, but is a slow process, but that the global and Mfasaland’s economy is recovering.
Jason O. Akala, Party leader of the National Front, backs the Prime Minister and says that the Government has taken this crises very seriously and have acted accordingly.

A new poll made by Reuters, have shown that the C-NF-LP government still has a clear majority and if today had been election day, the Government would have received some 57 % of the votes, while the opposition would get 40 %.

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

South Socotra Annexed


The Office of the Prime Minister has just announced that Mfasan naval and army forces have incorporated the three smallest islands in the Socotra Archipelago as the Special Territory of Socotra. The islands have been incorporated to provide a naval base for Mfasan and Victorian League Naval forces to combat piracy in the area. The islands are home to some 184 people, mostly muslim arabs. The islands were previously part of the Republic of Yemen, but after the collapse of the governments in the region, the islands have been left to themselves and have been safeheavens for pirates. The original population totaled some 600 people, but most have fled since the arrival of the pirates who collected protection money, often violently.
 
A civilian development program has been initiated which will see the construction of a school on the two inhabited islands and basic sanitation.

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Civil War Continues


The Austrian civil war is still raging as the newly created Austrian Empire fights for control of the last parts of Austria. The socialist government has completely collapsed and the Austrian Imperialists and their Praugsian, Hobbebian and Latin allies are close to victory. The socialist government surrendered two days ago, their forces were encirled and supplies running out and their situation had become desperate. After the surrender, as Austrian Imperial troops entered the towns and villages in the area controlled by the socialist at the time of their surrender, were met with jubilant crowds waving the Kaiserliche flag. In many towns pictures of the former socialist Chancellor was burned along with the socialist flag.

The only faction in Austria still able to resist the new Imperial government is the nazist Das Reinste faction which is heavily engaged in battles against Latin and Deutsche forces in Western Austria. However, with the full force of the Austrian Imperialists, Praugsia, Deutschland and the Latin Union against them, it's it only a matter of time before Das Reinste will be defeated.
Heavy fighting are taking place along the Das Reinste defensive line known as the Eisen Linie in German. The Eisen Linie is a series of hastly constructed pillboxes and anti-tank ditches and obstacles. Some places however, were ill prepared when latin forces began their assualt and were quickly overrun. The Das Reinste also faces a serious manpower problem as the battles have taken it's toll on their troops. Reports claim that Das Reinste has begun forced conscription in a deseprate effort to replace their losses and bolster their army in a last ditch effort to halt the advance of the Austrian Imperialists and their allies.
However in some sectors it is evident that the conscripts have no will to fight as both Latin and Deutsche forces report that entire companies are surrendering without firing a shot.

Now that the civil war is quickly nearing it's end, it is clear that Austria has a hard time ahead of her as the wounds of civil strife take a long time to heal and rebuilding of this shattered nation wil take time and be very costly. The already devastated Austrian economy also faces further hardships as it will be very difficualt to rebuild a strong economy in the face of global recession. Overall it seems that allthough the Austrian economy can recover it will take time and be hampered by the global economic recession.


Politician Arrested for Drunk Driving


Last night the Dodoma Constabulary spotted and pursued a car that was driving erratically on Highway 23 leading into downtown Dodoma. The police officers followed the car which failed to stop when ordered to and sped away trying to escape the officers. The officers immidiately began the pursuit and several more patrol cars joined the chase. The chase ended some ten minutes later when the car crashed at an interchange from the highway. When officers reached the crashed car, the driver had already exited the vehicle. He was arrested and taken to the West End Constabulary Station in Dodoma. There tests revealed that the driver was under influence of alcohol and was arrested for drunk driving, faling to comply with police and reckless driving. Furthermore it was revealed the driver in question was Daniel Dermon, a local politician serving in the City Council of Dodoma for the Social Democratic Party.

The incident has caused national contempt. The leader of the Social Democratic Party, Abraham D. Abile, has not been available for comments. The incident has already made it to the headlines in all the national tabloids this morning. One of these the Weekly Examiner, has also published a story about rumours of council member Daniel Dermon's alleged alcohol abuse.

 

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Possible Union between the Latin Union and the Holy See


In the last couple of days reports of a possible union between the Latin Union and the Holy See has emerged. The Holy See has, since the emergence of the Latin Union, been under the protection of the Union. Now, however a possible union is discussed between Papal and Latin government officials in Rome.
The merge of these two states would effectively mark the end of a independent Papal state, a state which has existed since the late 8th century.

The news of this possible union has sparked global outrage amongst Catholics. In the Cabinda Free-State demonstrators threw molotov cocktails at the Latin Embassy in the capital Port of Free State.  Riot police had to use considerable efforts in dispersing the crowds and the Latin Union Embassy suffered significant damage. Protests have also taken place in the Russian Empire, where Catholics in Finland and Romania held large demonstrations and voiced they outrage of the possible union. In KaNgwane the Anti-Pope has also denounced this news and assured that the Catholic Church of KaNgwane will remain independent of the Holy See.

Here in Mfasaland, 5000 people took to the streets in Narundi in protests of the news. The demonstrator gathered at Victoria Square and made their way to the Latin Embassy where they stopped. Police monitored the situation but the demonstration remained peacefull and soon the police kept a very low profile. There were also large demonstrations in Dodoma, Kigoma, Nampula, Pemba and Tabora. Overall it is estimated that some 50.000 people took to the streets across Mfasaland.
Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church in Mfasaland, Peter Dean, is outraged by the news and has publicly denounced the possible union as a betrayal against the Catholic Church. Furthermore he has called all Catholic Bishops in Mfasaland to a special meeting in Narundi.

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Archbishop Sends Ultimatum to the Holy See


Following the special meeting of the Roman Bishops in Mfasaland that lasted several days, Archbishop Peter Dean, head of the Roman Catholic Church in Mfasaland, has sent an ultimatum to the Holy See. The ultimatum states that any union between the Latin Union and the Holy See will be seen as an act of betrayal towards the principles and very foundations of the Catholic Church and will result in the immidiate breaking of ties between Rome and the church in Mfasaland and the full independence of said church from Rome.
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the Mfasan catholic community which however, has so far only shown support for the ultimatum.

Should this become reality this would be one of the biggest loss of authority and support the Catholic Church has experinced since the Reformation in the 15th and 16th century. Whether or not any independent Mfasan chuch will seek to establish ties with the Antipope in KaNgwane, is yet unknown, but many experts find that highly unlikely due to the years of bad relations between Mfasaland and KaNgwane.

Earlier this month, the Lation Union and the Holy See announced that any talks of a possible union between the the two states have been halted due to the massive opposition from the Catholic Community.
This opposition has especially been massive in Africa, most notably in the Cabindan Free-State, Mfasaland and in KaNgwane.
This has however, not done much to calm the anger and repair the great damage this did to the authority and respect of the Holy See. Thus the Holy See faces one of the worst crisis' it has faced for centuries and the damages to Papal authority and respect could take years, if not decades to restore. 

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Daniel Dermon Resigns His Council Post


Following questioning by the Dodoma Constabulary, Daniel Dermon has been charged with drunk driving, failing to comply with police and reckless driving.
Daniel Dermon, member of the Dodoma City Council was arrested 12 days ago after being pursued by by police units of Dodoma Constabulary as they spotted him driving erratically through the city.

The city council member has also announced that he resigns completely from the Dodoma City Council and has admitted that his alcohol abuse. This confession came yesterday after several days of stories of this alcohol abuse in the tabloids.

Following this incident, the Social Democratic Party has announced that Daniel Dermons membership of the party will be cancelled and he will be expelled from the party.
Social Democratic leader Abraham D. Abile, said that “This is a most sad occasion and we in the party are profoundly disappointed that Mr. Dermon, a respected and trusted meber of our party has done something so irresponsible. We have terminated Mr. Dermons membership of the party. We simply cannot and will not tolerate such behavior. However, I would like to commend Mr. Dermon for his admittance of this alcohol abuse and we sincerely whishes him the best in the future.”
The expulsion of Daniel Dermon has been widely supported by political parties as being the only responsible action.
Should Daniel Dermon be found guilty of all charges, he can face up to 9 years in prison and a 5 year revocation of his driver’s license.


Victoria Oil Signs Major Contract


The state owned Victoria Oil has just announced that they have signed a large contract with the Russian Government. The contract is to construct two major pipelines in Russia, one from Northern Russia to the Black Sea and one from the Caucasus to the sea.
The signing of this contract is a major achievement for  Victoria Oil and it is very lucrative deal, one that will bring large revenues to the company and better cooperation between Victoria Oil and Russian state owned energy companies.

The pipelines will be a major part of the expansion of the Russian oil and energy infrastructure and is considered a major project for the Russian Government.  Once finished it will also be a major source of income for the Russian state.

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Archbishop Calls for Another Special Meeting - Rumours Run Rampant


Archbishop Peter Dean has called for another special meeting with all Mfasan Bishops at the Diocese Manor in Narundi. The agenda of the special meeting has not been disclosed by and the Archbishop has refused to comment on the meeting other that it was important.
Rumours has begun to run rampant and many speak of a impending declaration of independence from the Holy See in Rome. However, some experts believe such rumours are unfounded.

The ongoing crisis between the Holy See and many catholic communities, especially in Southern Africa, has escalated over the following weeks with demonstrations and protests in several countries. In Narundi weekly demonstrations have taken place outside the Latin embassy calling for the immidiate stop to such talks. Twice this week the Narundi Constabulary have been present at the demonstrations, though none of the demonstrations turned violent.

Should the Roman Catholic Church in Mfasaland declare full independence from the Holy See in Rome it would be a stunning blow to the authority of the Holy See and the Pope.

We will follow the situation closely. 

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Roman Catholic Church in Mfasaland Declares Indepedence from Rome


Archbishop Peter Dean has just released an offcial declaration that the Roman Catholic Church in Mfasaland declares full independence from the Holy See. The newly independent church will appoint it's own Cardinal as head of the chuch.

The decision was made during the nearly 24 hour long special meeting between Roman Catholic Bishops in Narundi. Early this morning the Bishops voted on declaring independence. Ten out of twelve bishops voted for the proposal.
While the meeting took place, rumours had been running rampant, though many experts rejected any notion of independence from Rome.


This announcement is effectively the beginning of one of the worst crisis' the Roman Catholic Church has faced in centuries, something few people had expected. The level of resentment caused by this proposed union has surprised most and have sent shockwaves through the Holy See, which was quick to renounce the idea, though that did little to amend the damage the resentment caused. This could have severe impact on Papal authority in Africa where resistance towards the proposed union between the Latin Union and the Holy See has been highest.

There has been no official statement from the Pope or the Vatican yet.

Speculations as to what will happen in the Catholic community have already begun. A recent poll showed that 67 % of catholics supported independence from Rome while 29 % oppposed independence from Rome and 4 % neither supported or opposed independence. Since there is a significant fraction of catholics oppose independence, there is a chance that the declaration could cause a division of the community.

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Vatican Response to the Crisis


Since the news of the secession of the Roman Catholic Church of Mfasaland reached the Holy See, there has been frantic activity in the Vatican City. The Pope soon called for a meeting with many Latin bishops. The meeting ended with an official statement from the Pope that denounced the secession.

"Few days ago the world witnessed the largest schism in the Roman Catholic Church since the division with the Eastern Church. I believe the Mfasan bishops have made a premature decision, if the Mfasans are willing to come I am still willing to call a meeting of the entire Church to resolve this crisis. At this point the Holy See does not recognize the independence of any Mfasan dioceses. If the Mfasans are truly intent of independence and wants the Holy See's recognition, we demand that any and all Mfasans still loyal to the Vatican be allowed to migrate to the Latin Union if they so wish. I have but one warning for Mfasaland, if I hear of any discrimination against Roman Catholics it will be met with military intervention from the Latin Union."

The latter part of the statement has caused great resentment in Mfasaland and renewed demonstrations have taken place in many major cities in Mfasaland, including Dodoma, Nampula and Narundi. In the capital Narundi, demonstrators gathered outside the Latin embassy. The Narundi Constabulary quickly responded and gathered nearby in force, ready to disperse the demonstration should it turn violent.  The demonstration lasted all night and remained generally calm and peaceful, though some 21 people was arrested for minor disturbances.
The fierce ultimatum in the latter part of the Papal announcement could effectively spark a crisis between the Latin Union and Mfasaland. Minister of the Interior Nelson B. Museveni, has sharply rejected the very notion that Catholics wanting to remain in a church under the Holy See, will be discriminated against. He further states that he is gravely insulted that the Holy See would even suggest that this would take place.

The Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs have declined to comment the Papal announcement.


Archbishop Peter Dean has also strongly denounced the ultimatum stating that this will do nothing but alienate the new church from Rome and has done nothing to improve the situation. Furthermore he has stated that no meetings with the Holy See will take place before the new church has been reorganized. The Archbishop also announced that no members of the Catholic Community in Mfasaland will be forced to leave a church remaining in union with the Vatican.
Leader of the Catholics opposed to independence, Bishop James McGregor, has also denounced the harsh tone in the ultimatum and said that this would only increase hostility towards the Holy See and undermine the part of the Catholic Community opposing independence. In his official statement he said that the Pope had effectively alienated the entire Catholic community in Mfasaland and undermined his own authority and respect more effectively than any other could have done.
A poll has shown that opposition to independence in the Catholic Community has decreased from  29 % to a mere 11 % as a result of the ultimatum from Rome.

Since the declaration of independence from the Holy See, the Archbishop Peter Dean and the bishops of Mfasaland has been in meeting concerning the future organization of the church. The meeting has also focused on settling the issue with the schism within the Catholic Community in Mfasaland concerning the  independence from Rome. Archbishop Peter Dean ahs personally met with Bishop Arthur Abongo and Bishop James McGregor, the representatives of the Catholics opposed to independence. The meeting took several hours and was held n the Diocese Manor in Narundi behind closed doors. 
After the meeting, the Archbishop announced that an agreement on the matter had not yet been reached, but that negotiations will continue until the matter has been solved.