Election time in Zangali

Good evening Zangali... Today was the first day of the national elections. Voting was largely peaceful throughout the country during election day. Observers deemed the polls generally free, fair, and transparent. The country was holding it's breath because of the recent unrests.

The elections in Zangali are held over a period of three days to enable all Zangalians to vote. Some have to travel large distances and have to make a several day trip to reach the polling station to cast their ballots.


The current government has agreed to enable UN-observers to monitor the elections. They are present at the polling stations and so far they are satisfied. Each voter has to dip it's right thumb in a pot of red dye and make a fingerprint impression on their ballot form, Then sign the form with their signature and check the box of their candidate. This way no one can vote twice.

Tomorrow is the second day and maybe then more can be said about the possible outcome of the elections.

A new term..

After a brief period of peace the African and international media once again focus their attention on Zangali. With the upcoming presidential elections coming up the temperatures rise once again. In previous election rounds President Anan never had anyone running against him. This was mainly due to the fact that there were not many men brave enough to take him on and those who did usually disappeared from the face of the earth in dubious circumstances.

Now that the country is torn in half with the North firmly supporting the rebel leader and former president's son Lebon Banga things might not be so predictable. Even though  Banga has not yet signed up as running candidate for the presidency it is to be expected to happen any day now. With Banga save and sound in his Northern stronghold it will be near impossible for Anan to take his opponent out before the elections.

Whilst everyday life goes on in the Southern regions it is very different in the North. Daily riots and protests against the sitting government seem to snowball through the region. These protests have now also reached the middle of the country where Anan's troops and police force try to keep them in check. With every day they seem to get more violent and grim.

10.000 HITS !!!!!!

The Zangali Blog receives 10.000 hits in 3 months !

I was incredibly happy when I checked the Hit-counter for this Blog. The people of Zangali have had over 10.000 visitors and all that within the first 3 months is an incredible and unexpected success.
When I started this Blog I thought it would be a nice medium to keep track of my progress in developing a new Wargame in an imaginary nation but I didn't think it would be this popular. The idea is to post articles of finished miniatures, Scenery projects, battle reports, trying out wargaming rule sets and creating fictional news as a back drop for the blog.

Modifying MDF Buildings

Let's have a look at the figures;
Most popular are the articles about how I created the scenery. On the 15th of June I posted an article on creating jungle terrain. to this day it is still the biggest success of the blog with 1.602 Hits*. Another big hit on the blog is also a scenery related article, Modifying laser cut MDF buildings was posted on the 4th of July and received 1498 hits*. With 25 posts in total these two articles alone take over a quarter of the hits so it's safe to say that Scenery related articles are very popular.

The famous ZangaLions

At the other end the lowest number of hits are on the News articles. I post a fictional bit of news now and then to bring Zangali more to life. Well at least to me. It helps me create a back drop for my games and helps me envision new projects. I can imagine this is not to everyone's taste but I also get good feedback on it. I think the main reason for the low hits(in comparison) is the fact that I don't share these articles, don't put them on my facebook page or on any of the forums I visit. On average a News article gets about 60 hits but there's one that seems to be the favourite with 150 hits* and that's the Africa Cup 2017 News post. I will continue posting the news articles because I enjoy writing them and make Zangali come to life.

Then where from do people travel to Zangali? Our beloved country seems to be most popular by people from the US and UK, together good for over 5.000 visitors*. But the department of tourist information also see large groups of Australians, French, Spanish, German, Canadian, Irish and of course Dutch check in. They get here by many different ways, Facebook seems to be the most popular to find Zangali with just over 3.000 hits* but also "the Miniatures Page" is a good way to visit Zangali with over 1.000 hits*, the "Lead Adventure Forum" counts for a good 500+ hits*. After that there are many other smaller numbers of visitors coming to Zangali by other sites. Of course Google brings people to our country but I also want to give a special mention to Studio Tomahawk where my tutorial on making jungle terrain is linked and liked by at least 110 visitors*. All these small numbers really add up and result in more then 10.000 hits now.

I like to thank all the other Bloggers that have my on their Blogroll, People that share my articles on Facebook and Google+ . A special thanks for the regular people that comment on my posts,you know who you are. I really really appreciate it and like to read what you think of the Blog.

So tell me, what do you... like the best? ..want to see anything changed? ..Do I need to add something?  let me know in the comments down below.

*: Number of hits registered by July 11th 2016

Kanya Manili stadium Opening

The "Kanya Manili Stadium"

After five years of hard work the new Sports stadium in  Batongo that will be replacing the old "Stade d'Olympique"in Abate. Only last week the name of the new stadium was revealed, it will be called the "Kanya Manili Stadium" honoring president Anan's late wife. Manili Anan was the president's first wife and many people admired her for her lovely brown chocolate like skin color. (Kanya means Beautiful Ebony). Manili Anan died under suspicious circumstances but the cause of death was never revealed.

Stadium under construction 

Five years ago, only one year after coming to power Anan order the construction of a new multi functional stadium that could be used for sports events, pop concerts and military parades. Since the beginning of the built there were many hurdles to overcome but Anan never abandoned his pet-project. Due to poor construction the south public stands even collapsed so foreign engineers were brought in to aid the Zangalians in the construction of this new day monument.

The grand opening will take place this Friday and all of the national elite, sportsmen, politicians and world press are invited for the festivities. This has caused the minister of National Security great concern, he will be responsible for the safety and well being of all the guests.

SOON: Nicki Minaj in Zangali

Next Wednesday will be the first real test for the Stadium and the security personnel. Then Nicki Minaj will be preforming there for the start of her Africa tour. For the concert all tickets have been sold out and 50.000 Zangalians will be attending to see the great show.
And in two weeks time the National football team will play it's first home game in a friendly match against Egypt.

The president said in his latest interview on the Zangali News channel that he is certain the new stadium will bring much joy to the people of Zangali. Not only will the ZangaLions (Zangali national football team) now be invincible there will also come international stars to the country to perform at the new stadium and part of the glorious annual military parade will take place in the stadium.

Checkpoint attacked

Checkpoint in Nabali attacked

Earlier this morning a Military checkpoint near the Nabali army base was attacked.

At 07:21am a small utility van was stopped at an outer checkpoint in Nabali only 800 meters from the Army base. The van was stopped on it’s way to the base in a routine control. Bystanders say that when the driver was asked for his papers he made a nervous impression. When asked to get out of the van the driver refused and tensions rose. After some shouting between the driver and soldiers at the checkpoint the van suddenly exploded killing 4 soldiers and injuring 2 more men.


It had been quiet since rebels attacked a patrol just outside the city. It was thought that the situation was under control and the army had restored peace in the region. It now seems that this attack was aimed directly at the army base. At this moment it is still unclear who is behind the attack and if this attack is related to the earlier attack.

Gola Park Rangers

The government of Zangali is proud to announce that the first groups of wildlife rangers are deployed in the Gola Rainforest. They will fulfil a key role in the ongoing battle against poachers. From the elite military forces the first 27 have been selected  to be deployed in the North. They are all highly skilled men, used to operate isolated on their own. The 27 have been divided in 3 groups of 9 men and along with their bloodhounds, equipment and weapons they will be airdropped in the area where they will patrol and track down poachers. After a month they will be relieved by the next group of rangers.

Some say that this is just a publicity stunt because of the upcoming elections and improvement of foreign relations whilst others question the motives to deploy elite soldiers in the North where the recent unrest causes concern. Are these elite forces deployed to track down poachers or are they there to gather information on the local militia rebels or even kill the militia leaders. Wild speculations? maybe...

Notorious arms dealer in town

"Papa" Redvik, notorious arms dealer

Today the minister of National Security Kwame Olabode and Minister of Finance Andile Kumbokani struck a deal with the Notorious Arms dealer "Papa" Redvik.
Mr. Redvik is a well known man in the black market arms trade and is often seen there were humanity and peace are absent.

Mr. Redvik officially resides in the tax heaven called the Netherlands in Europe and his "company" even has a webshop where many warlords and dictators buy their latest toys.

President Anan of Zangali has been having negotiations with many foreign diplomats willing to sell their old and abundant war gear but were asking a high price knowing the situation in Zangali is urgent. Therefor Anan made his ministers strike a deal with a wanted arms dealer, this way he can not be linked to the transaction and maintains his deniability.

Unknown is how much money is involved in the trade or what weapons will be shipped to Zangali and how. Because "Papa"Redvik is a pure opportunist one should not be surprised if he would now turn to the rebel leaders with information and a sweet deal.. The weapons race has started.

Anan responds to attacks

no stone left unturned

President Anan has responded to the recent attack in Nabali which killed 24 republican soldiers. In the 2 hours long speech Anan declared war on all rebels and complimented the people of Zangali, their blind faith in the government is heartwarming in these troublesome times. He also pointed out that the republican forces should have limitless resources for their task to eradicate any threat to the nation’s stability and peace. Therefor both ministers of Finance and National Security have begun negotiations with various arms dealers and foreign liaisons.

Anan: “To support our troops in their task to locate and crush the criminal rebels who aim to undermine the people’s faith in the republican and democratic government I have made new resources available. We can only ask a small contribution of our loyal citizens for the aid to their safety and therefor I will only raise taxes by 5%. Together we are strong, Together we stand, Together we are proud to be Zangali”

His speech was met with cheers and dancing by some but others were worried about the impending tax increase. This rebel attack against the sitting government seems to hit the people already living in poverty the hardest. 

Patrol attacked near Nabali

After a brief period of peace the people in the villages around Nabali once again live in fear. This morning a patrol that was on it's way from the main base in Nabali to a nearby checkpoint just outside the city was hit by an ambush attack. Two Humvee's and two trucks were knocked out, most of the soldiers that were on board were killed. The few soldiers who survived the attack said it happened really quick and they had no idea what hit them. The attack was over in just a few minutes and in the chaos the soldiers were unable to identify the enemy or their position.

Investigation at the scene has provided little information about the attack. What is known is that at 07:12am the lead Humvee was hit by a roadside bomb. The vehicles caught behind the burning wreck were stuck at the narrow road when they where hit from the flanks with RPG's and machine gun fire. From the evidence found at the scene it is estimated that this attack was well coordinated and carried out by at least 12 men. The soldiers in the vehicles were caught of guard and most were killed instantly. Most of the men that managed to get out were gunned down on the road in deadly crossfire. 24 soldiers died and only 3 survived the attack.

The people in Nabali and surrounding villages had been assured that they would be save now the Zangali army is in the city but many now feel the rebels will continue their attacks. The people behind the raids had always attacked by night but the zangali army only moved at day light. It seems the rebels have altered their strategy and don't hold back. Many men have formed vigilante groups that patrol the suburb regions. However their weapons are old and unreliable and it is feared they will be no match for the rebels.

The Zangali government and president Anan have not yet responded officially on the attack.

Everything under control

RAZ Forces Arrive in Nabali

 This morning the RAZ forces arrived in Nabali. Nearly 300 men, 16 armoured vehicles and 15 trucks with their supplies and cargo have reached the small city of Nabali. The convoy left Port Espoir military base yesterday morning and had no trouble along the way. Many happy and relieved faces greeted them. The news of the nightly raids had spread rapidly under the population and fear of attacks grew stronger.

Happy faces along the way

Nabali is a small city but lays at a strategic position. Many of the roads from the coast to the north lead trough the city or it's neighbouring villages. The RAZ forces have started to build the base camp at the former athletic field at the northern edge of the city. Patrols are expected to be dispatched later today and road block checkpoints will be set up shortly.

Col. Obi Mphatso speaks

At 12:00 Colonel Obi Mphatso spoke to a crowd of gathered civilians at the Nabali sports fields. He assured the safety of the city and swore to track down the criminals responsible for the recent raids. The crowd cheered and chanted "RAZ! RAZ! RAZ!".

RAZ Forces Moving North

Machete wars

In recent weeks we received multiple reports of violence in the northern regions of Zangali. Human rights watchdogs have voiced alarm of a series of attacks that can no longer be classed as "incidents". The Northern regions have a history of clashes between rival tribes and warlords. This doesn't seem to be the case right now. When rival tribes clash or when feuds between warlords are fought out there are hardly any civilian casualties. These "Machete wars" always have been fights between tribal soldiers from one region against tribal soldiers from another.

In the past few weeks several small villages have been attacked. Each time the attackers came armed with rifles and guns and seemed very organised. They have been quick and deadly, like a military operation. The attacks are carried out at night when everybody is asleep. In the morning the men in the village are either captured or killed. No one knows why they have been taken or where they are now. 46 men between the age of 16 and 50 have been captured and 17 killed.

President Anan has announced he will end the attacks and kill those responsible. A convoy of military vehicles has been dispatched to the North. They are on their way to the small city Nabali where they will set up a forward base of operations. Nabali itself has not been attacked but some of the small villages nearby are at risk. Patrols in the region should track down the criminal gangs soon.

Africa Cup 2017 News

In order to qualify for the African Cup of Nations 2017 in Gabon our Zangalions need to book results quickly. The first 4 matches of the qualifying stage have all been lost. Our neighbors in Liberia hold the best cards for going to the tournament.

Stade d'Olympique in Abate

Last nights game vs Zwasiland was the best opportunity to score our first points but unfortunately we lost the game 1-4. The President who was watching the game from the presidential lounge, met with the players after the game. He did not blame them for the disappointing loss. Our Zangalions still play all home games in the old "Stade d'Olympique" in Abate but the new Stadium in Batongo is almost finished. Once we get a decent stadium the results will come.

Qualifying stage standings Group B

the Zangalions

The 1-4 loss was another setback for our hopes to go to the Africa cup in Gabon next year but the positive to take from the game is that we scored our first goal in the qualifying series. Our striker Abousa Dembebe managed to score the penalty that was given in the 81st minute. The decisions to give the penalty was contested by the Zwasiland players. They did not think it was a hand ball and in the argument that ensued the referee from Mali gave the centerback defender Dibi Amasous his second yellow card. Unfortunately there wasn't enough time for the Zangalions to come back against the 10 Zwasiland players. After the match our supporters were disappointing with the loss but were very happy with the first goal, the first of many to come...

In this mornings news show our president Ime Anan said that last nights game was the perfect example of how peaceful the country is now. Anan: "Even when we lose a game we don't lose control. No riots have been reported, no arrests were made. I hear people say we should be concerned by the recent reports of violence in the north but saw nothing to be concerned of last night. We are one nation, one people, loving our country. The people can sleep safely, no need to worry"

In our next show: Troop mobilization in military base "Port Espoir" have been reported but are  yet unconfirmed.