Chapter 276: "Old Friends"
Previous Life in the Central African Republic, Azande Plateau
Mmbre, a fortress constructed according to the natural terrain, may appear simple and haphazard with its piled-up stones, but crossing it is no easy feat. Even Wanfu Mokai might not have reached it. The platoon is still acceptable, and with a few machine guns added, perhaps 70% of the African countries from the previous life wouldn't have stood a chance.
This military stronghold was built by the North Route Army in East Africa, and now a large group of indigenous Africans was passing through with their belongings.
Compared to the South Route Army, the North Route Army's campaign was quite lively. They passed through southern South Sudan and the Azande Plateau.
The Azande Plateau is situated in central Africa, serving as the watershed between the Congo Basin, the Chad Basin, and the upper Nile Basin. It consists of a ridged mountain range running east to west for over 800 kilometers, creating important north-south transportation routes with numerous passes.
In the previous life, the Central African Republic occupied this region, and it was aptly placed. If Africa's internal economy had developed further, Central Africa could have been considered the crossroads of Africa. Beyond economic value, the Azande Plateau held significant military importance. From here, it could directly threaten both East and West Africa, regions boasting the continent's best agricultural conditions.
The Azande Plateau itself had favorable conditions. Its temperature and precipitation were slightly higher than those in East Africa. If Ernst were to settle in this area, it would be quite similar to the Nanyang Basin.
Strategically, both regions were indispensable to their respective areas. Central Africa had abundant mineral resources, primarily gold and diamonds, which were, however, common throughout sub-Saharan Africa. In contrast to these two, the region lacked significant reserves of other minerals, except for oil, which limited its overall value.
Of course, the underdevelopment of resources could also be a reason for this.
As they observed the continuous stream of people passing by, East African Army Platoon Leader Rhodes remarked, "These Burundians are quite unlucky. If they had moved a bit further west at that time, they wouldn't be suffering this ordeal now."
"Hehe, according to our frontline intelligence, the original Buganda Kingdom traveled the farthest. It is said they've re-established a country near a large lake in the southwest, and it seems they've made contact with caravans to Libya, purchasing a substantial amount of firearms, which has improved their situation." Deputy Platoon Leader West chimed in.
The "Great Lake" West referred to was Lake Chad. The Buganda people's journey from Lake Victoria to Lake Chad was indeed a challenging one. Still, it had its benefits, particularly in avoiding the same fate as other Great Lakes regions. Secondary migrations were also underway in several indigenous nations, thanks to the Buganda people's earlier migration.
"Musat I displayed some strategic foresight. When he was fighting in the Northwest, he chose to head west. His eldest son, who defected to the Egyptians, is unlikely to return. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we shouldn't have to deal with him."
Musat I had been the king who fled the Buganda Kingdom at that time, taking a different path than the Buganda prince.
As for the Buganda prince, he had initially received favorable treatment from local Sudanese officials upon arriving in Egypt. Still, after the elimination of the Buganda population in East Africa, his diplomatic value had diminished. The Buganda people were no longer a united front, and the Buganda prince had lost his royal status. The Egyptians had subsequently driven him into the Sahara Desert, looting the treasures he brought with him.
"The Eight Northwest Nations are formidable, but the indigenous tribes they defeated seem rather naive. When they encounter our army, they either surrender or flee. They still dare to confront us."
"Although the Eight Northwest Nations may have lost to us in East Africa, their intrinsic strength remains. They have also crushed the indigenous tribes here on the Azande Plateau."
As the two conversed, people from the Kingdom of Burundi had already passed by. At the end of the line, a black man stepped forward to bid farewell to Rhodes and his companions.
"Mr. Rhodes, Mr. West, I appreciate your kindness," the black man expressed his gratitude.
"Hehehe, you're very welcome, Chief Romrom. The Kingdom of Burundi is an old friend of ours, and it's quite sentimental to reunite with old acquaintances like this. As you head west this time, I offer you a piece of advice as your friend: go as far as you can, following the setting sun's direction, and if you encounter others like us carrying firearms, don't panic. Immediately turn and head northwest." Rhodes patted the gun in his hand.
Rhodes had participated in the Northwest Campaign, the first conquest of East Africa, which had pitted him against the Burundians. This was why he referred to the Burundians as "old friends" and offered advice to the new kings of the Kingdom of Burundi.
Rhodes' suggestion was well-intentioned, but it caused concern for Romrom. He asked, "Are your people still in the east?"
"Of course not, but they're nearby, and they might be a bit trickier to deal with than the ones you've encountered in East Africa. Just remember that if you come across them, run. Run northwest, but don't worry too much. As long as you don't reach the sea's edge, you won't encounter them."
Rhodes was referring to other colonists on the west coast of Africa, providing a friendly warning and directing Romrom to head northwest into the heart of West Africa.
"Mr. Rhodes, thank you for your advice. I will guide my people to continue heading northwest. Farewell!" Romrom replied, and he followed this advice, leading the Kingdom of Burundi to migrate further west and south, transforming from an East African nation to a West African nation.