Bongolesian News Update!

Updates from BNN and The Bongolesian Observer (aka "The Old B.O.")

Bongolesian News Update

State Funeral for goes off without a hitch!
(Sudekia) In a right nice send off the late Bogoo Moboo, Spokesman for The National Interior Ministry was laid to rest in the soil here in Sudekia today.
Readers will remember that Secretary Moboo, along with his driver, were killed recently in a single vehicle automobile accident in which witness were told that they saw the vehicle traveling at a high unsafe rate of speed and that the driver lost control.
It was a fine and solemn funeral with the local clergy and friends being allowed to talk nicely about the late Mr. Moboo.
“He had a tremendous singing voice, and knew how to talk to people about things that he had to tell them about the Government.” A family member who wishes to remain anonymous said.
After the service, there was a brief interment ceremony at the cemetery and Mr. Moboo was laid to rest.
Services for the remains of his driver were also held in private by his family in another part of the country. The announcement for a replacement for this position should be made shortly.

Mr. Moboos coffin being carried out of the church and on it’s way to it’s well-deserved hole in the ground...

NEW MILITARY GENERAL TO TAKE COMMAND OF NDF

President appoints new loyal commander to lead troops after M’bunga retirement and absence.

(Sudekia): After a long round of working and all-nighters, His Excellency, President-For-Life P’hat Daddee B’wonah has appointed Col. Lok’n Lode as the new district commander for the Bongolesian National Defense Forces.
Col. Lok’n Lode is a loyal leader to The President and has followed orders explicity without question or hesitation. He is a dedicated professional military officer with a high streak of loyalty to our beloved leader and thus, our nation and it’s peoples.
Readers will remember that the position that Col. Lok’n Lode was appointed to was recently vacated by longtime commander General Bunga M’bunga who retired this year after many years of dedicated service.
In a short interview with Col. Lok’n Lode, he issued the statement: “I’m a man of few words, and a lot of action. I like to get a lot of action, as does our esteemed President. I will follow his orders and the people of the nation and the troops of the NDF can rest assured that we will do the right thing.”
It’s a testament to the Bongolesian People of their courage in the face of the Anti-Govt, hoodlums and thugs. But have no fear fair folks! Our beloved boys in green under their new general will soon use their new tanks and other cool stuff that runs and shoots and will show the enemy a newer sharper end of the pain stick!

He’ll get jiggy at any time…New National Defense Commander Col. Lok’n Lode answers a couple of questions and makes a statement.

NEW(ER) TANKS???

(Sudekia): Unconfirmed word is that the NDF is testing newer tanks in addition to the ones that they have recently received.
With the creation of 3rd and 4th Bongolesian Armored, equipped with the trusty T55 Main Battle Tanks, there is discussion of the possibility of the expansion of the Presidential Guards armor force also.
In doing so, International Arms Dealers from Russia have recently arrived and unloaded two T72 Tanks as display and demo vehicles.
Although the tanks are a bit pricey, and the determination of sales is still underway, there is a chance that one day soon, the people of Bongolesia will see new(er) tanks in the Presidential Guard.

Coming soon? New Tanks for Presidential Guard…

Bongolesian News Update!

National Interior Spokesman dies in auto accident

Spokesman on his way to traffic safety meeting when he meets ugly bloody fate that makes him shake off his mortal coil…

(Sudekia): Bongolesian Interior Ministry confirmed today that National Interior Spokesman Bogoo Moboo was killed last night, along with his driver in a one vehicle automobile accident outside of Lonnieville.
While official information remains sketchy at best, and the investigation is still underway by National Police, witnesses that were later found to be at the scene, confirmed that Mr. Moboo’s automobile was traveling at a higher rate of speed than normal, and it seems that either mechanical difficulty, or poor vehicle handling on the part of the driver caused the accident.
Witnesses say that the car “rolled, bounced, be-bopped and burst into flames”.
Emergency services arrived too late to the scene to be of any use to anyone, as it was obvious that both driver and spokesman Moboo had met their maker.
“Many people saw the smoke and came out and saw the car burn.” Said a Lonnieville citizen.
While there is no official statement coming from the Presidential Palace and his Excellency, President-For-Life P’hat Daddee B’wonah, unofficial word is that there will be a small, low-key state funeral for Mr. Moboo and his driver sometime this week.
Details are pending and will be released soon…

The burning wreckage of Mr. Moboos Vehicle outside of Lonnieville...

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY BONGOLESIA BLOG!!!

Wow...has it been three years already???
Yeps. On a windy, grey afternoon, three years ago, I decided to start blogging about everyone's favorite third world African Hell-Hole; that place that we all know and love (to hate).
Bongolesia.
And while Bongolesia has been around in one form or another for about five years now, it's only been three years that the blog has been up. Sure there was an old Geocities one that I had started, but it's off to the dustbin of internet history.
So, it's also been quiet on this side for a bit, as I have been doing a lot of painting and building for my favorite African land. And to give an idea of how much it has "grown" I decided to try to get pics of most of the vehicles and figures. My goal one day is to get EVERYTHING in one major picture, (or a couple of pictures and make a panaorama)... There's just simply so much, that I have right now that it's almost impossible with the little table and room that I have.
But Pics are needed on this all important day...so pics there are...
(CLICK ON PHOTOS FOR LARGER PHOTOS)

We start of with ..."The Main Man"...


His Dicatatorshipness, President-For-Life P'hat Daddee B'wonah, the ruler of Bongolesia since approx 1987, due to a successful coup against the corrupt government of the nation. Looks kinda spiffy in his uniform don't you think?
Next up, the boys in Green...


Yes, the ever fighting, hard charging National Defense Forces. Infantry, Armor, Support, Trucks, etc...(Missing is the Mi-24, and some additional trucks, due to mechanical difficulties)....

A shot of the NDF forces, Presidential Guard, , Some BARF technicals, civvies, all in all a small smorgasbord of some of the many vehicles I have for this nation in crisis.

1st and 2nd Bongolesian Reconnaissance (Light and Heavy), make their appearance....

The Presidential Limo, a 1959 Caddilac with custom "Misty Purple" paint job, (courtesy of Dos Hommiez out of Southern Los Angeles, California).

Another shot of some of the many figs and vehicles I have. The US Troops, UN Troops, BARF Troops, Mercenaries, along with helicopters, the C47, and a slew of civvie vehicles are missing...

The nuns of "Our Lady of Benevolent Suffering" along with their Mother Superior (Sister Mary- Hermann-Goering), and their Reliable 1957 Chevy Nomad Station Wagon with it's ever known name of "Swanky"...

Some of the civilian (European Refugees) that are always fleeing the country when it starts to fall apart....

Some of the many "characters" that's been featured (or wil be featured in further Bongolesian Adventures). From L to R. Bongolesium Scientists, Eurobabe Hostages, "Idi" from Idi's Auto Sales, (Buy Less! Pay More!), Bodonga the Apostle, Bodyguard, The Reverend Father Doctor John, (leader of the Oingo Boingo Cult), Thriller Michael, "Rumbo" (jungle fighter extraordinnaire), Father Christmas, Miss Vienna Dupree, and Kimba The Lion...

And as we celebrate our third birthday with this blog, we realize that Christmas is just around the corner, and how Bongolesians love to get...and recieve stuff....so what better way to end this post than with a pic of the man in the red suit himself...in Bongolesia...

My thanks to everyone out there for a great (although quiet) third year in the "Big B", and will be putting more up soon, (including more buildings, some history, and a few games when they are run!). My thanks to those that read this blog and support it, and the hobby of miniature wargaming, which without it, this little world of mine would never have found a place or a voice...

Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year from Bongolesia!!!!

WTF???

So the other day I go to the mailbox...

And it's full of stuff, stuff, bills, and more stuff.

I look at the important things, and then put the "stuff" in my "to be looked at later pile"...

So I'm checking out the pile, and lo and behold...a piece of mail from Stamps.com

addressed to "guess where"...

(blackened lines protect personal info)...

All righty then....

Hmmm...Stamps.com is an approved vendor for the US Post Office.

So, the Post Office is now sending mail to Bongolesia via me?...

Ummm..has anyone told these folks that "It isn't real?"

But wait...if Bongolesia is getting mail...

Then...that could possibly mean that they have identified it as a real nation...

And thus if the US Postal Service is sending mail to Bongolesia, (or at least addressed to Bongolesia), then...

That means that technically Bongolesia has been recognized (in some sort of way), by the US Government!!!!

Hmmm...so the next step is...

A: Do I inform them that it isn't real?

or

B: Do I contact the State Dept, and request to open diplomatic negotiations and possibly request a nice big international aid package???

Hmmm....decisions, decisions....

PRESS RELEASE!!!

OMENCORP TO TAKE OVER PERVERTICUS INDUSTRIES OPERATIONS AND FACILITIES IN BONGOLESIA.

LUCRATIVE DEAL MADE.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Distribution

OMENCORP to take over Perverticus Industries Operations in Bongolesia

(Sudekia): In a worldwide broadcast this morning, it was announced that OMENCORP, has successfully negotiated the annexation of Perverticus Industries and all operating assets in Bongolesia.
Speaking briefly while on a trip to the Carpathian Mountains in Romania, Omencorp President Lucifer Drake said “This is a great day for Bongolesia, and for Omencorp. “Omencorp has a long, rich, history of working with lesser developed nations, and providing the goods, and services that they need and deserve to get. The people of Bongolesia have made a wonderful and wise choice in assisting with this deal.”
Omencorps name is known the world over as a leading provider in goods, services, and international development projects designed at increasing market shares and developing future market resources for increased profitability.
With its World Headquarters in Brussels, Omencorp has direct business operations in numerous countries and assists in many more. The World Headquarters oversees the continental operations, and each continent has it’s own headquarters which is then sub-routed to the Regional Headquarters for each country that Omencorp works in.
It had been discussed in the past that Perverticus Industries was having problems upholding it’s contract deals with the Bongolesian Govt. and discussions were taking place on the possibility of Perverticus Industries selling their interests in Bongolesia.
Without any further information on the deal, it seems that this may be the case.
“With the current world economic situation and the way things is goin, we needed to look at the alternative situations of what we could do and get.” Said Nat’l Affairs Spokesman Sp'in Dok'tur. “This deal with Omencorp will give the Bongolesian people of our nation what they should all get and ensure that they should get theirs.”
Mr. Drake upon hearing the news from Sudekia, said while nodding and smiling. “I agree! I personally guarantee that we at Omencorp will work our magic in Bongolesia and insure that the Bongolesian Govt, and especially The Bongolesian People get what they deserve…”
Details are sketchy, but information suggests that Omencorp will have initial personnel in country within 2 weeks and scheduled assumption of Perverticus Industries Facilities and Operations will be complete by 1 October.

IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET:
Shares of Omencorp rose to 6.66 ($ USD)
Shares of Perverticus Industries fell on the news to 1.87 ($ USD)
Bongolesian Bling-Bling Currency Exchange Rate/Value rose today as a result of the current economic news and industrial announcement to 1 Bling-Bling (BB) = 0.08 ($ USD); a rise of 0.02 since yesterday.

More information on this exciting development as it unfolds!

The Lions of Allah; a growing problem for B'wonah...

While working on Bongolesia, I had decided that I wanted to push another "faction" into the fray. We already have BARF, and we have the local Oingo Boingo Cult. But I wanted a "hard" dedicated religious faction that could be used to shape the present and the future of this beleagured African Country. And so dear reader I give you "The Lions Of Allah" (LOA).

(PLEASE NOTE: This is a fictitious faction loosely based on certain groups within Africa. It's not meant to upset anyone with delicate sensibilities. Heck, if your sensibilities are THAT delicate and fragile, you shouldn't even BE on this blog!)

THE LIONS OF ALLAH:

With the recent Islamic surge throughtout Africa, the nation of Bongolesia has not been exmpeted from the rising tide of Islamic Extemeist and Fundamentalist problems.

Among the major factor in this issue is an organization known as "The Lions of Allah", or LOA.

The LOA is a recent new organization within the power scheme of Bongolesia as is the Islamic religion, but it and the religion are growing steadily. African Islamic Power is establishing itself in the main cities of Sudekia, and Port Tuziak, with the first Mosques open for worship five years ago. It's thought that approx 10% of the general stable population is Islamic. Currently the B'wonah regime allows the religion within the country as long as it doesn't challenge his authority.

However unknown to him it is being challenged.

The current Islamic Leader in Bongolesia is Mullah Ach'med A'hmed P'ita Eetuh. A recent transplant from Sudan; the Mullah has been in country for approximately two years and has worked on winning the hearts and minds of the Bongolesian people and spreading Islam throughout the country. All of his efforts in the long run DOES increase his power base.

Despite words from his fellow Ayatollahs, etc. Mullah P'ita Eetuh has jumped ahead of the standard schedule of "Islamitization", and has already allowed a small branch of diehards (The LOA), the begin small scale operations to destablize the country and help push the people (at the point of a bayonet if necessary), towards Islam with the overall goal to replace the B'wonah regime with an Islamic African Nation, (with himself in charge of course)...

(Mullah Ach'med Ahmed P'ta Eetuh; the man in power and giving orders to the LOA. He senses his destiny and knows that history has a place for him...)

While overall information on the size and organization of the LOA is very sketchy at this time, and hard to come by, it is known that the LOA seems proficient in small group operations. Small cell teams of less than a dozen, (usually smaller than this), seem to be their main modus operandi. In some areas and cases they have been known to operate in smaller groups of 2-4 personnel each.

They are proficient in ambush attacks and seem to prefer hit and run, rather than stand and fight operations. Perhaps this is due to their objectives, or because of limited size and/or equipment.

Most LOA activities are concentrated at night in smaller towns and surrounding villages where "LOA Law", and "Tithes" are enforced and enacted upon the populace. Despite the intervention of Local Police, and NDF forces, there has been no concrete evidence (yet), that the LOA individuals are in any way associated with the mullah. He in fact disavows them and says that "their actions are not of what he preaches."

President B'wonah is still skeptical though. So until evidence linking the mullah to the LOA can be found, (or decently fabricated), the Mullah remains alive and free to preach, (and plan), without having to worry about receiving a "B'wonah Brain Hemmorrahge"...

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Figures for the LOA:

I'm currently using Peter Pigs Arab figures mixed in with Regular Milita figs to flesh out the forces for the LOA.

To help users with id'ing figs, I have decided that support weapon teams (2 figs, LMG, RPG, etc), will have at least 1 figure (the major figure), wearing a red headress with white stripes, (or is that white with red stripes???)....hmmm..

Here are some that I have painted up right now...

(A LOA RPG team, ready for action...)

(An LOA Attack force, in training at a "secret camp"...Note the different styles of headdress...)

(A picture of an LOA "martyr" force in front of a recently vandalized wall of B'wonah Posters...)

BONGOLESIA OPENS DIPLOMATIC TIES WITH AUSTRALIA!!!!

PRESS RELEASE:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
BONGOLESIA TO OPEN DIPLOMATIC ACCORDS WITH AUSTRALIA!
DIPLOMATS TRAVELLING TO THE LAND DOWN UNDER TO MAKE THINGS SWEETER…

(Sudekia): The National Govt. released information today an important official announcement whereupon our nation has decided to engage the country of Australia in diplomatic accords.
“Look, we were thumbing through some of the records that we had in our boxes and files, and realized that we had never opened up international relations with Australia.” Said National Spokesman Sp'in Dok'tur. “After checking to see what the deal was with Australia, we sent a message to his excellency our wonderful leader, President-For-Life P’hat Daddee B’wonah, outlining our regards and schemes to recognizing and opening up relations with Australia.”

(Bongolesia and Australia: A WONDERFUL Future together!)

“We seen on the map that they are on an island completely surrounded by water, just like Gilligan and the Skipper, and the rest of them folks.” He continued. When we reviewed what was going on with them, our wise president said that “we as Bongolesians”, should do our best to get with the Australians and let them have what we have to offer them, because we have so much to offer. And they have so much to offer to us also. We would be so much better off with what they have to offer, that it’s a win-win situation!”

Current plans for a diplomatic mission to be undertaken are being drawn up as this is released. It’s known that Ambassador T'ooka Dump will probably the main diplomat sent on this historic sojourn.

(Ambassador T'ooka Dump our main man for the Australians)

“As a duly noted representative of the Bongolesian Govt. under the fantastic leadership of President-For-Life B’wonah I will do my best to get under their skin in the de land o’ plenty and help them get to know us better, and know how we can benefit from this diplomacy…” Ambassador T'ooka Dump said with a smile while reviewing his stock options.

It is hoped that the Australian Govt. will open their entire nation up and accept The Bongolesian People and their intentions with open arms and the sugary sweetness of future fuzzy warm relations between Bongolesia and Australia in the spirit of international goodwill, cooperation, realtions, and exchange.

More info to be released as events unfold...