With the rise of the organisation FRS First, ONN explores their origins and what threat they pose to the region.
In the Federal Republic of Socialsts, tensions are rising over a series of issues, and the potential for conflict is likely to spill across its borders.
On the 12th December, the little known group who describe themselves as 'Freedom fighters', FRS First, launched an assassination attempt on Chancellor Giuseppe, leader of FRS. The far-right group called for Giuseppe to be removed from office, and threatened a full revolution.
Soon after, massive riots broke out across FRS, but the military, loyal to Giuseppe was able to quash these uprisings quickly. This led to fears of a full-blown civil war, in a country shrouded in corruption allegations by its own citizens.
Within a matter of hours, Chancellor Giuseppe ordered the military to try and contain the paramilitary forces in the Sekpolis suburb and end the violence. However, a blast in Sekpolis later killed 20 civilians and 5 military personnel, in an apparent terrorist attack.
Worshipful Master Patec and its leader, Sonopu Dogyo quickly waded in to the conflict, stating:
"As WM of this order I condemn this political violence in FRS. I urge both sides to resolve their differences diplomatically"
FRS First later claimed responsibility for the attack, stating:
"You say terrorists we say freedom fighters, for too long FRS Has been ruled by an oppressive communist and his elitist cronies."
Soon, condemnations of the organisation came from left, right and centre, with high-profile nations labelling FRS First as a terrorist organisation and sending support to the FRS Government.
However, Oranjehaven sided with FRS First, stating:
"To everyone who still doubts of the harm that the evil communist ideology can cause, you need to learn about the situation that is currently occuring in the Federal republic of Socialsts (FRS). The communist leader of this nation, Alfonso Giuseppe, has ruled this country, which is near ours, without listening to the real needs and desires of its citizens. The people of FRS have been protesting his rule for many years, but they have all been extinguished by Giuseppe and his communist government. Despite this, the desire for a government that actually cares about the prosperity of its citizens never got extinguished. This desire of the Socialians, on this month of December 2022, has manifested into the largest anti-communist movement yet. The FRS First movement spread all across the nation and Giuseppe has been unable to stop it. They will not stop until real change occurs. My message to you, Alfonso Giuseppe, is that you either listen to your people and make concessions to improve FRS or you resign from your job."
With Oranjehaven effectively challenging the fourth largest regional economy, the stage has been set for an escalation in regional conflict.
And in the past few hours, a new escalation occurred, with FRS First issuing an ultimatum to its opposing nations:
"Niater, Patec and Meercovo you have 12 hours to meet the following demands: 1. FRS First gains international recognition as the legitimate government of the people 2. Oranjehaven diplomats are instated into the regional government. 3. All foreigners bar Oranjehaven and Zanjact citizens must leave FRS and will be declared persona non grata. If the above terms are not met the following will happen: 1. FRS First troops will march on Niater 2. Any persona non grata remaining in the country will be stoned to death"
With the invasion of Niater now likely, a full blown regional war is now on the horizon.
Meercovo quickly refused the demands, setting the stage for the largest conflict since the Meercovo-Zanjact War.
Yet some in the region are supporting FRS First's claims, and saying that Giuseppe is a dictator and has not given his people the leadership they needed.
FRS First has been keen to disassociate itself with terrorism and establish itself as the legitimate FRS government.