African Entrepreneurship Record-Chapter 659 - 347 Southern Situation

At the end of the year, Ernst returned to East Africa from his visit to Europe. East Africa was actually well received this time, especially by Germany.

It's similar to how Western countries welcomed the Far East Empire during the financial crisis in 2008; in the 1970s, East Africa's significance to Germany undoubtedly rose several levels, playing a crucial role in stabilizing Germany's economy, while also allowing Germany to recognize part of East Africa's strength.

Previously, Italy was courted by various parties. Now Italy has split into three nations, with part of it occupied by Austria-Hungary, leading to the absence of a strong country in mainland Europe. This has brought East Africa into Germany's sights, although East Africa is still in Africa, making it less important compared to the Ottoman Empire.

And East Africa does not need to align itself early on, so its response to Germany's courting is rather ambiguous; however, in essence, it is still more inclined towards Germany, or the German camp.

After all, East Africa is also a country within the German system, naturally aligning politically, economically, culturally, and militarily with German regions. However, its geographical position and power allow East Africa to maintain its neutrality.

"Ernst, you have finally returned. Friedrich has been really eager to see you!" Constantine said excitedly upon seeing his son.

"Dad, Mom!" Friedrich immediately dashed into their arms. Despite not seeing each other for half a year, this little guy seemed not unfamiliar at all.

Ernst hugged the little guy and said to his father, "Father, now that I am back, you can entrust everything to me." 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Constantine grumbled, "I've long wanted to stop the hustle; you're back at the perfect time. I want to travel around a bit more!"

Originally, before Ernst went abroad, Constantine had already stopped involving himself much in governmental affairs, choosing instead to relax around East Africa. Now that Ernst is back, it is only natural for Constantine to continue his retirement lifestyle, leaving the tough job of governing the nation to young people like Ernst.

Karina also pinched her son's chubby cheeks, full of heartache. Originally, they planned to stay in Europe for just a few months, but East Africa's welcome apparently prolonged the family's trip. The endless banquets and receptions were tiring for Karina, who was accustomed to freedom in East Africa.

So in the latter half of the journey, Karina kept complaining about coming to Europe less often next time, mainly because social responsibilities were too exhausting, with her facial muscles stiff from the constant fake smiles.

The family returned harmoniously to First Town. However, being away for a while, a pile of accumulated issues waited for Ernst, who, unable to rest, resumed his workaholic lifestyle.

The high centralization in East Africa also meant greater pressure and responsibility for Ernst, so after handing over affairs with his father, Ernst began reviewing the accumulated issues East Africa faced throughout the year.

The first was the Orange Free State, a matter that had been a major focal point for East Africa even before Ernst left.

Chief of Staff Sivert had been keeping an eye on this issue and reported, "This year, there have been three large-scale conflicts between Orange and Transvaal. The first two ended with Orange's slight advantage, but the third, occurring this September, saw Transvaal, with British assistance, dramatically shift the momentum, heavily defeating the Orange Allies' main force at Dillsville."

It was known early that Transvaal would gain the upper hand; it was just a matter of time. After all, East Africa couldn't unconditionally support Orange like Britain, having to spend money.

Nonetheless, Ernst still wanted to know the details about why Orange could achieve victory in the first two instances.

Sivert stated, "According to reports from our intelligence personnel and military advisors, Transvaal's Rebel Army initially had low combat capability. After all, the Boer initially did not have regular armed forces requirements, so their lack of experience actually made them inferior to the traditional Boer armed forces like those of Orange.

However, as time passed, Transvaal accumulated enough experience, enhancing their combat capabilities, and with the British providing guidance from the sidelines, Transvaal's progress was swift."

"The first conflict occurred in the northern part of the Orange Free State, at Axelciro. The Transvaal Bultfontein garrison engaged in large-scale combat with the Orange Allies' Lucelle unit. This time, Transvaal took the initiative to attack, ending up ambushed by Lucelle utilizing the terrain, inflicting heavy losses on the Bultfontein garrison, instantly turning the northern situation in favor of Orange, forcing Transvaal to withdraw their forces back within the Bultfontein area."

"A significant reason for Transvaal's failure in this war was underestimating the enemy. Lucelle was arguably the strongest northern force of Orange, with much of the northwest under his control. Despite this, Transvaal dared to march arrogantly without properly gathering intelligence, leading to a disastrous defeat."

Of course, because of Lucelle's presence in Orange's northwest, his troops were better able to connect with East Africa and gain support from there. This reason doesn't need to be mentioned, while Transvaal's key motive for suppressing Lucelle was to sever the northern communication channels between Orange and East Africa.

"In May, Orange and Transvaal had their second large-scale confrontation, mainly occurring in the southwestern region, with Transvaal actively compressing Orange's living space, constructing fortifications and strongholds around Bloemfontein.

So, to break the stalemate, southwestern Orange cleaned out Transvaal's Rebel Army within their territory, which for Orange was a domestic war, easily resulting in a victory over Transvaal."

"The third large-scale confrontation was also initiated by Orange. The significant victories previously led Orange to become overconfident, assembling massive forces in the west, intending to deal another heavy blow to Transvaal and even preparing to capture Bloemfontein in one fell swoop."

"However, Orange obviously forgot their provincial advantage; although Transvaal's Rebel Army's combat efficiency wasn't high, they possessed a detailed command system framework, while Orange fought independently, with internal disunity.

Thus, in this direct conflict, Transvaal faced a fragmented Orange and achieved unprecedented victory. Britain also proactively intervened, dispatching troops from near Kimberley, placing Orange in a predicament between two forces. With the convergence of the powers, Orange's southwest forces suffered heavy losses, largely diminishing in significance.

Although the northern forces persist due to various reasons, they also participated in the third large-scale conflict and are unlikely to cause a stir in the short term. Thus, Transvaal and Britain seized the opportunity to expand their achievements; currently, the main battleground has shifted northward, with several engagements south of the Fite River observed by our troops."

"Does this mean Orange is now at the end of its rope?"

"Pretty much, now within the Orange Free State, only the north persists resisting because of our reason, while in other regions, Transvaal and the British have almost cleared out the issues, especially with the once strongest southwest Orange forces, many have chosen to surrender to the new government."

"New government?"

"Transvaal's provisional government has officially abolished the original Orange Free State government. Now the Orange Free State essentially only has the name that still belongs to Orange, while the rest has been hollowed out by Transvaal."