PRESS: Mfasan Broadcasting Network

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Breaking News - Mfasaland Becomes Nuclear Power

The Ministry of Defense has just announced that Mfasaland has completed its nuclear weapons program and now posses nuclear weapons. Minister of Defense Henry C. Peterson said earlier this morning that, "These weapons will only serve as a deterrent" and that "Mfasaland assures the world, that these weapons will never be used offensively".
Many experts are agreeing that the main reason for the development of this weapons program are the threat that KaNgwane, which posses nuclear weapons posed, and still in some way, pose to Mfasaland.The government however, has denied that there is any single reason for this program and that it’s purpose is to increase the security of Mfasaland.

The Mfasan Nuclear Weapons Program was announced by the Government after the conflicts with KaNgwane. Though the program was known to the public, the program was almost completely mirrored in secrecy.
The development of nuclear weapons has thus strengthened Mfasaland's position as one of the major powers of sub-Saharan Africa.
Polls by several news agencies show a strong support for the nuclear weapons program. A poll by Gallup show that 63 % of the asked support the program while 31 % are against and 6 % are neither against nor in favor.

A small crowd gathered outside the Ministry of Defense approximately two hours after the announcement, to protest against nuclear weapons. Spokesman for the organization Against Nuclear Weapons, Idi Peterson, said that “Nuclear weapons are terrible weapons and should be banned worldwide.” 
The protests remain peaceful and has attracted little police attention.
 

Division of Catholic Community Ended

After week long meetings and negotiations between Archbishop Peter Dean and Bishop Arthur Abongo and Bishop James McGregor, leaders of the Catholics opposed to independence, a solution to the division of the Catholic Community has been found. This morning the Archbishop announced that the Catholic Community will not be split and that the Catholics opposed to independence have said they will not form a new church. Opposition to independence from Rome effectively evaporated when the Pope issued a stern and harsh ultimatum to Mfasaland and caused widespread resentment in the entire Catholic Community.

Archbishop Peter Dean also announced that the Roman Catholic Church in Mfasaland will change its name to The Catholic Church of Mfasaland.  The Arhbishop also announced that the Bishops of Mfasaland will convene to elect a council of Bishops that will elected the Archbishop of Mfasaland which is now the head of the church. 

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Mfasan Pilgrims Arrested In Jerusalem during Unrest


Severe unrest has hit the Israeli capital Jerusalem as pro-Latin and pro-Russian protesters clashed with Riot Police. The unrest has come as a result of the possivble merger between state and church in both the Latin Union and in Russia. The attempt by the Latin Union to establish a union with the Holy See have caused wide unrest and new talks of union between state and church.
In addition news of a possible creation of the Russian Christian Party which will be a merging of the Russion Orthodox Party and the Catholic Christian Party has also caused wide resentment. Both of these are the main factor in the unrest that has hit Jerusalem.

According to Israeli news sources and Police, clashes took place most of the day. Dozens of protesters and several police officers have been wounded and cars, dumpsters and so on has been set on fire. According to some reports at least two have been killed during the riots.
Israeli police has announced a city wide curfew in an attempt to curtail any escalation of the riots. According to unconfirmed sourcces, additional riot police from Tel Aviv are on the way to reinforce Jerusalem police.
Police has used tear gas and rubber bullets on several occasions to disperse crowds while they were being showered by rocks. Unconfirmed independent news sources reports that many injuries amongst rioters are from the rubber bullets used by the police.

Israeli police has announced that some 300 have been arrested, among them are 30 Mfasans, most of them being Mfasan citizens and are mainly pilgrims. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs have declined to comment on the situation stating that they are awaiting information from the embassy in Jersualem.

Israeli offcials have urged national leaders to stop mixing religion and politics and have urged religious leaders worldwide to urge calm among their followers.

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Succesful Anti-Piracy Operations

The ongoing operations by the Royal Mfasan Navy against piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden have become increasingly successful. This month alone, some 23 pirate ships, five of them being the so called motherships, have been boarded and sunk while the crew has been taken captive by Mfasan naval forces. In at least two incidents Mfasan warships was fired upon and proceeded to return fire, sinking the pirate ships.
Since the start of these operations and the establishment of the South Socotra Military Base, piracy has decreased in the area. Still, attacks on merchant shipping in the area has continued and at least two ships have been succesfully boarded and taken over by pirates this month, with the crew being held for ransom.

Spokemen of the Ministry of Defence, Lydia Hill, said: "There are still a serious problem with piracy off the coast of Somalia, but overall, the operations carried out by Mfasan and other nations warships has decreased the amount and has made the area much safer than before. We are still far from the goal, but overall things are improving on a daily basis."

The optimism of the Ministry of Defence is not shared by many experts though. Most experts say that the problem of piracy can only be solved by the establishment of a stable government that has full control over Somalia. The pirates, though under pressure, can operate freely within Somali territorial waters as international law prevents Mfasan warships from operating in these waters without the explicit permission of the Somali government. The Transitional National Govnerment, which holds only minimal control over some regions have been powerless to combat piracy as they are involved in a devastating civil war with islamic fundamentalists.
According to unconfirmed reports, both the islamic rebels and the TNG as well as independent warlords use piracy as a valuable source of income.

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Growing Unrest in Somalia

The civil war has continued to escalate in parts of Somalia as the TNG government continues to battle of Islamic Courts Union in Southern and Central Somalia. To the north, islamic rebels have also launched attacks on the autonomous state of Puntland and on the Republic of Somaliland, which allthough not being recognized as such, declared independence in 1991. Two days ago, islamic militants attacked several Somaliland border outposts and villages near Xalin and Taleex in the eastern part of the country. Several clashes between militants and army forces left some 130 dead, mostly militants but also a high number of civilians which was caught in the cross fire or deliberately targeted by the islamic militants.

Somaliland is the most stable part of Somalia and the region declared independence in 1991, though it's independence has never been recognized by any state or international organization. The government is a well functioning democracy and has escaped many of the hardships that has befallen the rest of Somalia since the fall of dictator Mohammad Siad Barre in 1991.
The stability of this state has proved a vital factor in keeping the Gulf of Aden clear of pirates and realtively safe for shipping until the collapse Aksum. The increasing attacks on the republic is cause for alarm, as islamic militant groups are threatening to destabilize this country, which could lead to escalate the Somalia civil war and make the Gulf of Aden extremely dangerous for shipping.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, William B. Royce has expressed great concern over the increasing violence in Somalia, especially at the increasing attacks on Somaliland, which was previously spared. Furthermore he stated that the Foreign Ministry would keep a close eye on the situation, but has already spoken of possible financial aid in the form of loans, to the Republic.

The threat to Somaliland not only comes from Islamic militants aligned with the Islamic Courts Union, but also from pirates in the service of Warlords from neighboring Puntland, and other parts of Somalia, raiding vital shipping from the main port of Berbera. Many warlords finance their militias and wars with drug smuggling and piracy. The small Somaliland navy has been unable to provide necessary protection to merchant shipping due to the increase in piracy and the lack of official recognition as a state has also meant that no international military aid has been received.

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Mfasan Expeditionary Force Deployed to Somaliland


The Ministry of Defence has announced that an expeditionary force, Mfasan Expeditionary Task Force (METF), has been deployed to the Republic of Somaliland to assist the democratic government in their conflict with Islamic militants based in Puntland.
The Mfasan Government recently recognized the independence and full sovereignty of the Republic of Somaliland and has pledged support to the nation.

The expeditionary force has been sent after the Somaliland Government accepted an offer of military assistance. Somaliland has been economically and politically stable since they declared independence in 1991 and has developed into a well functioning democracy. Recently however, it has come under attack by Islamic militants from the Islamic Courts Union and pirates backed by Puntland warlords.
The Islamic militants has however, as opposed to many other regions of Somalia, found little popular support since they are from different clans than the majority of the Somaliland population and because of  that the region, in contrast to the rest of Somalia, is politically stable thus making the ICU unattractive to most people.

The number of attacks by the ICU on border villages and military garrisons has however increased and there are even reports of massacres being committed in some villages near Xalin in Eastern Somaliland. The Somaliland armed forces have long been in a conflict with the Autonomous province Puntland over the control of the regions of Sool, Cayn and Sanaag, which in 2007 resulted in clashes between pro-Somaliland and pro-Puntland militias. Recently, the Somaliland Government accused the regional government in Puntland of supporting the ICU in an effort to destabilize Somaliland. The regional government in Puntland has denied these allegations and pure lies used to distract the people from the  incompetence of the Somaliland government.

The Mfasan forces are currently disembarking in Berbera while elements have begun to advance towards the eastern part of Somaliland to link up with Somaliland Government forces. Besides fighting the ICU the Mfasan expeditionary force will also assist the local forces combating piracy and Puntland based warlords in the area.
William B. Royce, Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated earlier that the Mfasan forces were deployed in a humanitarian mission to assist the democratic government in stopping attacks from the Islamic militants of the ICU and to assist the government in fighting piracy in the area. Furthermore the minister announced that financial as well as military aid will be sent to Somaliland.

The Transitional National Government, which has never accepted and reconized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state, has lodged a formal complaint to the Mfasan Government for recognizing Somaliland and claim that this is a violation of the sovereignty and independence of Somalia. The TNG has furthermore demanded the complete withdrawal of all Mfasan forces and of all recognition of independence and support for the Republic of Somaliland.
The Mfasan government has announced that the recognition and support for Somaliland will not be withdrawn.

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Massacre at the Optimus Prime International Airport, Amman

A terrorist attack at the airport of the Djiboutian capital city of Amman has claimed countless lives. According to eyewitnesses and early reports vans pulled up to the entrance of the airport and some 10 men jumped out, immidiately shooting at civilians at the entrance, killing and wounding several. Five then went inside and began to shoot at the passengers in the terminal. According to most reports, the terrorists are still inside and have destroyed several entry points to the terminal. Several explosions were heard and eyewitnesses have said that the terrorists fired RPG’s at the aircraft at the gates, which burst into flames as their fuel tanks exploded.
The numbers of casualties have not been gathered but it is believed to reach hundreds of killing and wounded.

Djiboutian security forces have not yet made any official statement about the attack or their responce. No comment could be obtained from the Djiboutan government. According to news media at the scene, police and security forces have begun to arrive.

The Mfasan Ministry of Foreign Affairs have issued a warning about travelling to the Djiboutan States and all Middle Eastern nations with the exception of Israel and Kuwait and Southern Iran, part of the Confederate Republics and have begun an evacuation of all Mfasan citizens in the Djiboutan States. The Embassy in Jerusalem will aid in evacuation. The Ministry of Justice has announced that security at all Mfasan airports will be tightend and all flights to the Djiboutan States have been cancelled.

This terrorist attack could well be one of the worst in the history of the world and it seems to be far from over as the terrorists apparently have barricaded themselves in the terminals.

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Republic of KaNgwane Collapses


The Republic of KaNgwane has collapsed. According to early reports, President Botha and the Cabinet has fled the country and went into exile. The remaining government been unable to stem the disintegration of the state and several constituent provinces have begun to secede. Only the Cape Province, the Free State and Suid West Afrika did not seceded and remained loyal to the government in Charlottesville. Though the Republic of KaNgwane has collapsed, a new state has taken its place. The Republic of Stellaland has been formed with it’s capital at Bloemfontein and has taken over control of all former KaNgwanese territories. Accordign to reports, Stelland forces have begun deploying north into Botswana and Southern Mozambique were Rhodesian forces will hand over control of the provinces.   

The collapse of the Republic of KaNgwane was sudden, even though a political crisis had been brewing in the previous months. Political dissent, especially among ethnic minorities in Botswana and Southern Mozambique only made this crisis even worse. The collapse also shook the stock markets and the Narundi Stock Exchange reports large losses. Financial experts fear that if the new government in Bloemfontein does not get the situation under control, the economy in Southern Africa will suffer even more than it already is from the global recession.

With the collapse of KaNgwane, one of the strongest nations in Africa has collapsed, leaving a large power vacuum in Southern Africa. Yesterday, Rhodesian troops crossed the borders into Southern Mozambique and Botswana and Rhodesian naval forces continued south through the Mozambique Channel. Mfasan naval forces have also entered the channel to patrol the waters.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs have stated that all KaNgwanese citizens will be granted a full visa to remain in Mfasaland if they wish and can later can apply for citizenship. KaNgwanese citizens married to Mfasan citizens can receive Mfasan citizenship immediately if they wish. All KaNgwanese citizens wishing to receive a visa or citizenship can report to the local immigration authorities.

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

All Troops Withdrawn from Somaliland


With the successful conclusion of the military operations in Somaliland and the establishment of New Tabecca, all Mfasan forces has been withdrawn from Somaliland after their government joined New Tabecca formed in central Somalia. The ICU forces in Western Puntland have been severely weakened by the military operations by Coalition troops and have been forced to abandon their attacks and incursions into Somaliland.
Mfasan casualties from this conflict is 27 dead. A memorial have been raised in the former capital of Somaliland Berbera dedicated to Coalition troops. A new wall part with the names of the dead Mfasan soldiers will be added to the War Memorial in Narundi.


Minister of Culture Resigns because of Declining Health


Minister of Culture, Idi Kibaki has just announced that he will resign his office immediately and retire from politics all together due to declining health. Mr. Kibaki, aged 62,  went through heart surgery last month, following declining health. Mr. Kibaki has says that his current health prevents him from fulfilling his role as minister adequately. Prime Minister John F. Henry has said that Mr. Kibaki will be missed and that the government will feel the impact of losing an experienced and hardworking minister, but that he fully understands and respects Mr.Kibaki’s decision. 
Mrs. Irene Connor will replace Mr. Kibaki has Minister of Culture. Mrs. Connor stated earlier that she looks forward to her new job and that she hopes that she is able to continue the good work that Mr. Kibaki has done as Minister.


New Nuclear Reactor to be Built

The Parliament has just approved a plan to expand the Victoria Nuclear Power Plant. One new reactor will be added to the plant. This is part of the Governments energy plan to make Mfasaland less and less dependent on fossil fuels and coal for energy and to reduce carbon emissions.
Other than the establishment of this new reactor, the plan by the government also involves the construction of a solar power plant and possible, another water power plant as well. Critics, however, has said that this plan should focus on nuclear power plants entirely and rather than building expensive solar and water power plants as these produce significantly less electricity than an equivalent nuclear power plants.
Opponents of nuclear power has called for an immediate halt to construction of nuclear power plants and to the immediate out phasing of existing plants, suggesting instead the construction of power plants using alternative energy sources relaying  on water, natural gas, bio-gas and solar power instead. These however, have little influence or popular support.

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Mfasaland Qualifies for World Cup


Mfasaland has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in many years. National team coach James Miller has performed well as coach and he feels that the team is more than ready to play good football and will likely perform well. He has however stressed that Mfasaland will have a hard time in their group, Group D, which also contains Latin Union, Finland and the Republic of Stellaland.
Opposition will be hard but coach Miller believes that Mfasaland can and will continue from the group. He said to MBN Sports that "I have every confidence in the players and staff and know that they will work very hard to achieve the best possible result. The players are working very hard and are all very dedicated."

The team has already begun their preparations for the World Cup at their training grounds at Lindi and some reserves has been summoned. Coach Millier however, will not reveal the final make up of the team just yet, saying his is still evaluating some players.

Here is the list of the groups at this World Cup:


Group A:
Israel
Helvetica
Warlordia
Iran

Group B:
Republic of West Africa
Antiochene Empire
East Xibeiguo
Commonwealth of Rhodesia

Group C:
Kingdom of Jeddeh
United Norse Federation
Austria
Limburg

Group D:
Latin Union
Kingdom of Mfasaland
Finland
Republic of Stellaland

MBN Sports will cover all Mfasaland's games.

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Mfasaland ties with Stellaland


In one of the most exiting games in Mfasan football history, Mfasaland manages to turn a two goal lead by Stellaland into a tie. From the start Stellaland put massive pressure on the Mfasan defence and time and time again, forced their way through, only to be denied a goal by Mfasan keeper, Mizenga Ulimwengo. Mizenga Ulimwengo pulled of one brillant save after another and of the 16 shots on goal in the first half by Stellaland, only two ended in the goal.

In the second half of the game, Stellaland opened with another blitz until Mfasan keeper Ulimwengo made a long pass which was gathered by forward John Terrington who raced towards the Stellan goal. His shot on goal flew past the Stellan keeper. This goal transformed the game. Mfasaland came onto the offensive and launched a blitz that equalled the Stellan from the first half. Pressure on the Stellans were high and end the end it payed off. An excellent long shot from center midfielder Jason Scott hit the cross bvar of the goal and bounced into the back net and Mfasaland had equalized. The rest of the game saw plenty of oppertunities for both teams but both keepers prevented further goals and the game ended 2-2.

After the game, coach Miller said that he was pleased with the tie, but that the defence simply wasn't good enough and that was something he would work on. On the other hand, he were very pelased with the attack which worked hard and could easily have scored more goals with a bit of luck.

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Mfasaland Out of the World Cup


After the loss to the Latin Union, Mfasaland’s only hope of advancing to the Quarter Finals rested with a tie between Finland and Stellaland. Unfortunately the hope was crushed when Finland won 2-0 over Stellaland in an exciting match. Coach Miller expressed his disappointment of the team not advancing, but at the same time acknowledged that the performance simply had not been god enough.
“We played well, we just didn’t play well enough and we simply can’t rest our hopes solely on other teams not performing well. It’s a shame but that’s the way it is. We have a lot to work on until the next World Cup.” 



Ethnic Cleansing in West Sahara


As fighting rages in the North between NEXUS and Arab militia forces, to the South, Simalia has launched an invasion of Western Sahara and reports are coming in that Simalian forces have begun a systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing in the conquered areas. Reports claim that entire villages have been wiped out with the men either killed or enslaved while women and children are reported to have been subjected to mass rape and executions. Simali forces have also been transporting large numbers of captured civilians back to Simalia where reports claim they will serve as slave labour.

The reports have caused massive outrage in much of the world as human rights groups have called for the international community to intervene. The Mfasan Government has released a statement to the press fully condemning the actions of the Simali forces and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have formally asked the NEXUS to intervene and prevent further bloodshed.  The Governments of Rhodesia and Stellaland have also lodged formal protests and asked the NEXUS to intervene and stop the atrocities.
MBN News have been unable to receive any comment from Minister of Foreign Affairs William B. Royce, currently attending s diplomatic conference in Salisbury, other than this issues will be discussed in detail at the conference.

So far the NEXUS alliance has not responded to any of the request for intervention.

 

Government Lowers Corporate Taxes


At a press conference at noon, Minister of Finance Harris A. Hillary announced the government new plan for economic revitalization of the economy in order to improve the economy and pull Mfasaland out of the global economy recession which has been easing for the last few months. One of the most important points of this plan involves the lowering of corporate taxes and an increase in government funds for bailing out banks and other financial institutes. Corporate taxes will be lowered from 28 % to 25 %.
 Minister Hilary said at the press conference that corporate taxes will be lowered to improve the competiveness of Mfasan businesses and industries on the global market. Minister Hillary also said that the fund created to provide funds for bailing out banks and financial institutes will also be increased as a precaution to make sure that there is enough funds, should any major banks or financial institutes need it. So far, no banks or institutes have yet required funds from this government fund.

The opposition, especially the Social Democratic Party has criticized this plan and claims it will only increase the tax burden on the citizens, especially the low income families. Financial spokesman for the SDP, Kenneth Idengo, said earlier that “This will do nothing but increase the tax burden on the citizens, especially the lower income families who already face a greater threat of unemployment and an uncertain financial future. This one again proves that the government handles this economic crisis completely wrong.

These concerns have been denounced by financial spokesman from the Liberal Party, James Everton, who said that if the corporate taxes are not lowered, some businesses and industries could face tougher economic conditions which in the end could result in more workers being fired as businesses may be forced to fire workers or even shut down part of their production.

[Kingdom of Mfasaland]

Coalition Invades Madeira


Coalition troops from the Kingdom of Mfasaland, the Commonwealth of Rhodesia, the Republic of Stellaland and Warlordia have invaded the Simali held island of Madeira in an effort to seize the island and hand it over to the legitimate Government of Simalia which is currently in exile in Warlordia. The Coalition have referred to this action as a police action against a rogue state that is actively destabilizing the region.

Our reporter on the destroyer RMNS Repulse, Jason Nettles, said earlier that the landings were virtually unopposed and that the Coalition commanders had reported that when RMNS Repulse had entered the harbor, he could see large crowds of civilians cheering and rejoicing. He only noise to be heard was from the Coalition jets roaring above the city. From what he had been told, all landings have gone very well. In the East, Rhodesian and Warlordian troops too landed virtually unopposed and the former quickly secured the airport. 

The invasion comes after the crisis sparked when Simali invaded Western Sahara and started a campaign of genocide in the region. Experts and humanitarian organizations estimate that between 5,000 to 15,000 people might have been killed to date by Simali troops and several thousands more have been raped or tortured.  The Simali invasion has sparked international outrage, but so far, no serious responce have been made by the international community.


Economic Boom


Southern Africa is experiencing an economic boom with most nations  experiencing large growth in the last couple of months as exports have increased dramatically. Especially exports to China have risen as the Chinese economy is growing as is its demand, mainly for consumer goods.

In Mfasaland, the increase in exports have mainly been to Warlordia as the booming economy there have increased demands for consumer goods. Since the Warlordian consumer goods sector is quite small, the demand for import have dramatically increased.
 
Besides the rise in exports, Mfasaland is also experiencing a small boom in tourism with the tourism sector reporting a 6 % increase in tourism compared to the last quarter.
Overall the economic boom in Southern Africa seems to endure for sometime as the demand for consumer goods in China are still increasing.