Central African Union

The **Central African Union** refers to two different nations that existed in the same region.

## History

The story of the Central African Union is one of two different nations that shared little in common beyond a name and rough boundaries. Whereas the first iteration of it was best described as being a rogue state, the second would become one of the UEG’s biggest supporters and serve as their capitol for the entire continent.

Much of the history of the first iteration of the Union rests on its leader, President Omaa. A tyrant and strongman, he took advantage of the chaos of the Global Civil War to make his mark in the world while lining his own pockets. The CAU served as a major centre for research into biological and chemical weapons, with Omaa's initiatives attracting rogue scientists from across the world. Those weapons that they developed were sold to a variety of powers and would see use in a number of theatres, such as the Manchurian conflict. While never proven, it is also believed that the virus that the Scavengers used on Cavern City during the uprising came from the CAU's labs.

Furthermore, the Omaa acted as a reseller for nuclear weapons technology flowing out of the former People’s Republic of China. It is known that he aided several Middle Eastern powers in their programs, resulting in the exchange that laid waste to much of the region. Many analysts had suggested that if the Civil War had ever escalated to a full strategic nuclear exchange, then Omaa would have played a key part in making that happen.

Following the arrival of the SDF-1 and the formation of the UEG, Omaa chose to support the Anti-Unification League, knowing full well that he was seen as 'unacceptable' to the new order. He was eventually bought down by a UEG-backed coup, however it needs to be said that his death was never confirmed. Reports of his survival would persist for over a decade, even through the Rain of Death.

The CAU was destroyed during the Zentraedi Rain of Death along with the other nations of Earth. Its rebirth would be bought about through several Zentraedi ships that crashed in the region following the destruction of Dolza's fleet. While the crews of these ships had mostly perished, their wrecks still contained a treasure trove of supplies and technology that were picked over by the human survivors of the region. Utilising what they had recovered, these survivors began reconstruction of their former nation out of the ruins.

By 2015 they had established Unity City, a new settlement built on the ruins of the former capitol. Thanks to the supplies they had acquired and their own drive, the construction of the city and development of the surrounding region quickly outstripped the rest of the continent. Having firmly established themselves, the people of Unity City began expanding their reach across the region, bringing in other survivor communities. This led to the creation of a new Central African Union, even if it bore little resemblance to the original.

The new CAU reached out to the reborn UEG and was quickly recognised. In the nation, the UEG saw a base of operations from which they could hopefully drive development across the rest of the continent and help to reclaim it. At the same time, they also were hoping to use the CAU as a base of operations for attacks against Zentraedi Malcontents across the continent. The arrangement proved to be mutually beneficial, with the CAU rapidly industrialising.

The importance of the CAU only grew after the destruction of Oasis (at that point the second largest city in Africa) by the Iron Ravens malcontent band. Ironically, the nuclear weapon used against the city was likely acquired from Omaa's loyalist forces or at least one of his former labs, which only served to fuel rumours that he was still alive and at large.

Under the UEG, the CAU evolved into what outwardly appeared to be a prosperous, democratic state and industrial powerhouse. However, under the surface, there were growing problems bought about by that same support. Most of the CAU’s industries were controlled by a handful of elites, leading to a dramatic concentration of power and wealth within the nation. As the CAU's economy grew, that wealth disparity only became more and more evident.

The greatest signs of this growing rift were apparent in Unity City itself. The wealthy elites established themselves in what came to be known as the ‘upper’ city, a gated paradise of luxurious living with all the latest amenities. The rest of the population dwelled in the 'lower' city which was on the whole far less developed with a far lower standard of living. Portions of the lower city became a shantytown, with people living in the still ruined sections of the pre-war city. Furthermore, the Lower City was home to many of the nations’ industries, which were allowed to operate with minimal oversight due to the wealth they generated for the elite.

None the less, the UEG continued to support the CAU, which had become the capitol of the Africa Sector. The country served as a stabilising influence over the region, and gave the UEG an anchor from which to expand its own influence. Furthermore, its industries became key contractors for the UEG, producing Salamander Battloids and Highlander tanks for the Army of the Southern Cross. Other key exports included food (both raw and processed), machinery and advanced electronics.

The CAU was attacked by the Robotech Masters during the final days of the Second Robotech war. Bioroid Forces launched air raids on the capitol, while ground troops attacked whatever they could find in the surrounding countryside. Even after the end of the war, fighting continued across the region as Southern Cross forces mopped up the remaining Bioroids. Unity City was damaged during the attacks, with the Upper City suffering the worst.

Even as the UEG crumbled in the aftermath of the war, the CAU remained loyal to it until the very end. However, even then, its leaders did their best to profit off the growing chaos across the world by jacking up the prices for their in demand goods.

The Central African Union was destroyed for the second time during the Invid Invasion. Unity City was obliterated in the first strikes, and what was left of the Southern Cross forces in the area were quickly overwhelmed and destroyed. The ruins of the nation, being one of the more fertile regions of the continent, became the base of operations for the Invid's control over Africa. The former nation became home to a major hive, as well as several Protoculture farms. The remaining populace were divided among petty kingdoms ruled by Invid collaborators.

## Geography

The Central African Union is an entirely landlocked country located in Southern Africa. Its boundaries overlap with several pre-Rain of Death countries, including parts of their former territories. Much of the country is open plains, desert and scrub, punctuated by mountain ranges. The country's forest cover is spotty at best, the result of rampant and poorly checked development; surviving forest consists of a mixture of temperate forests and tropical rainforests. The southern and eastern reaches of the county were more heavily devastated by the Zentraedi Rain of Death, and are largely uninhabitable wastelands.

While the Rain of Death destroyed most of the major population centres in the country, new ones have sprung up since. The capitol is Union City, which is located more or less in the middle of the country, and is its most populated city. The city is home to most of its major industries as well, and is the focus of much of its wealth. Outside of that, the population falls off rapidly, with the rest of the country being made up of smaller, relatively impoverished towns.

## Government and Politics

In theory, the Central African Union is a democracy with a president elected by the population. However, in practice, the voting is very heavily controlled by the wealthy oligarchs who in turn control much of the country's wealth. As a result, the actual legitimacy of the voting process is doubtful at best, with the outcome of any given election likely pre-determined and the election more a show of democracy. In general, the government is very hands-off with the regulation of the country's industries as long as they continue to remain profitable and pay the appropriate kickbacks.

The CAU is a staunch supporter of the United Earth Government, and has become one of their major weapons suppliers. The UEG is largely indifferent to how the nation is run, as long as it does not affect its production capabilities and maintains the appropriate restrictions on its sales. It also maintains fair relations with other African countries, including non-UEG states, and exports food to a number of them. The CAU remained a loyal member of the UEG even after the end of the Second Robotech War.

Due to its position as an important manufacturer, the CAU possesses one of the largest and most advanced armies in Africa. The Central African Armed Forces are equipped with modern tanks and aircraft, including some of those that it manufactures itself. However, the army is also somewhat prone to cronyism like the rest of the government, and leaders are often more a political appointment than anything else. In addition, the Southern Cross maintains forces within the country, including elements of the Tactical Corps and Tactical Air Force.