Chapter 328: Foreign Forces
Bulawayo, the Ndebele capital, was a relatively new city compared to many established by the East African Kingdom. It had been constructed using a large number of slaves and exhibited a unique blend of Arabic and European architectural influences. This architectural fusion was a result of the deep influence of Arabs on the East African coast, as well as the Ndebele people learning from their rivals, the Boers.
The Ndebele people had learned from the Boers to build forts, towers, and other military facilities in their capital. This transformed Bulawayo into a small military fortress, reflecting the militaristic characteristics of the Ndebele people.
Lobengula, the Ndebele leader, reviewed his army outside the castle, witnessing over 6,000 Ndebele soldiers equipped with muskets. The combination of traditional Zulu attire and modern firearms created a stark contrast that spoke of both barbarism and civilization.
Lobengula, feeling satisfied with his troops, inquired about their readiness compared to the East African Kingdom. He turned to Wiggins, the Boer advisory group leader, who expressed confidence that the Ndebele fighters, armed with firearms and trained by Boers, would be a formidable force against the East African Kingdom.
The Ndebele fighters, divided into square teams, demonstrated their musket skills by firing at wooden stakes. Lobengula was impressed with the power of the muskets and believed they could deter the East African forces.
Meanwhile, a scout arrived at the South Salzburg Province border troops and reported the approach of the Second Brigade of the East African South Route Army, which had been operating in the southeast to suppress the indigenous rebellion.
Stewart, the leader of the South Salzburg border troops, welcomed Ya'an Reid, the commander of the Second Brigade. Reid confirmed the suppression of the rebellion in the southeast and presented captured Boers and a cart loaded with munitions.
Stewart recognized the significance of the munitions and questioned the Boer captives. It was revealed that the Boers had been supplying arms to the Ndebele people. Stewart realized that this situation might be more complex than it appeared.
The Boer captives agreed to cooperate and provide information in exchange for their safety. They revealed their mission was to trade with the Ndebele people, supplying them with firearms to weaken the Ndebele and East African Kingdom. They estimated sending thousands of muskets and a substantial amount of gunpowder.
Stewart assured the captives of their safety but decided to keep them as guests in East Africa. He also made it clear that East Africa would address the issue with the Transvaal Republic after dealing with the Ndebele.
The Boer captive willingly shared all the information he knew about the Transvaal Republic, as he understood that returning there was not an option.
Stewart commented that the Republic of the Transvaal seemed indifferent to East Africa's activities and vowed to settle accounts with them after dealing with the Ndebele.
(end of this chapter)