2022 Lavana coup d'état

2022 Lavana coup d'état
Former General Secretary of the Lavanan Section of the Workers International Khudu Narimanoa (left) and Premier of Lavana Laina Keomany (right)
Date 06-09 March 2022 Location Lavana Mostly Pers, Kurei, Liucpa, Kipchu Result Keomany coup d'état successful Laina Keomany appointed Premier, and General Secretary of the LSWI Purge of government, and party officials New constitution announced Results of the 2022 Lavanan Section of the Workers International annulled Return of multiparty elections to Lavana State of emergency declared for a period of 3 months New cabinet formed
Belligerents
Government of Lavana and loyal state institutions Lavanan Armed Forces Lavanan National Police National Intelligence Organization Border Guard Municipalities Pro-government protesters Support: Hacyinia Champania Alleged	Keomany supporters Elements of the Lavanan Armed Forces 99th Infantry Division 39th Infantry Division Elements of the 1st Infantry Division Elements of the 55th Infantry Division Elements of the 89th Infantry Division Elements of the Lavanan People's Air Force Elements of the Lavanan people's Navy Elements of the Lavanan Section of the Workers International Elements of the People's Guard Elements of the Lavanan National Police Elements of the National Intelligence Organization Elements of the Border Guard Municipalities Pro-Keomany protesters Support: Dezevau Alleged
Commanders and leaders
Khudu Narimanoa POW (General Secretary of the LSWI) Suhk Bagabiada POW (Premier of Lavana) Gen. Madthai Chanthraphone POW Gen. Muizegenhiu Siyavong POW Brig. Gen. Joy Dazeda  † Brig. Gen. Kai Jeanovny  † Brig. Gen. Ariunbold Vorachith POW Adm. Tsolmon Gavagamu POW	Laina Keomany (Former Premier) Gen. Tsolmon Bakhtzhany Gen. Khoril Chanthavong Brig. Gen. Dastan Khamsomphou Brig. Gen. Aidas Soulignavong Brig. Gen. Kimo Kyuan Brig. Gen. Arzhan Diasovong Brig. Gen. Kye Phetphommasouk  † Adm. Cesrang Vongphakdy Gen. Dazadiu Nazeroa
Strength
13,426 soldiers 31,214 people's guard 144 tanks 192 armored vehicles 12 planes (8 fighter jets) 25 helicopters 5 warships	26,950 soldiers 24,941 people's guard 200 tanks 400 armored vehicles 40 planes (21 fighter jets) 50 helicopters 10 warships
Casualties and losses
380–500 soldiers killed, 1 helicopter damaged, 8 tanks destroyed, 25 damaged 14 armored vehicles destroyed, 29 damaged	120–300 soldiers killed, 1 helicopter shot down and 3 damaged, 2 tanks destroyed, 6 damaged, 4 armored vehicles destroyed, 10 damaged, 1 Reconnaissance plane shot down
215 civilians killed 400 civilians injured After the end of the coup: 38,941 detained of which 30,159 were arrested 98,291 government officials and workers suspended 4 news agencies, 5 TV stations, 40 radio stations, 30 newspapers, 3 magazines and 16 publishers were ordered to shut down

A coup d'état in Lavana began on the evening of 6 March 2022, when Khudu Narinamoa General Secretary of the Lavanan Section of the Workers International (LSWI) removed his support from the democratically elected Premier Laina Keomany, removing her from the post. Keomany launched a coup to regain power and remove Narinamoa from his position. Following a day of fighting inside the capital Pers, and other cities on the 7th, as government and coup forces took over positions. With massive protests in support of Keomany. Narinamoa resigned his post and surrendered on the night of the 7th, with sporadic fighting following until the 9th. Keomany appointed herself as General Secretary the 9th, and made herself Premier again that same day. Constitutional changes were announced, along with sweeping purges of the party and society, as Keomany removed Narinamoa loyalists and rivals replacing them with loyalists. The coup brought widespread reprisal and condemnation by the international Socialist community.

After Narinamoa announced changes to the ways elections were performed inside the LSWI, in the lead up of the 1 March 2022 elections. The changes would had given him near unanimous support inside the party apparatus, and he could threaten the premier who is democratically elected by the Lavanan Congress by removing their party support, an essential according to the constitution. Narinamoa came to represent the party elite, who sought to cement their power. Keomany a party elite herself was threatened by the possibility of being sidelined and being a representative of the moderate wing of the LSWI, believed Narinamoa sought to undermine the democratic institutions of the country.

The coup lead to widespread civilian casualties as massive protests against government forces, and anti-coup protesters came under fire and brutality by both sides. 215 civilians were reportedly killed with 400 injured. Government forces suffered between 300 and 500 killed, with coup forces between 100 and 300 killed. Numerous vehicles of the Lavanan Armed forces were destroyed or damaged, and numerous buildings inside Pers and other cities were damaged during the fighting.

Background

Structure of the Lavanan Constitution

The Lavanan constitution takes its roots from the 1995 Constitution, which returned democracy to Lavana. Previously the Premier was elected by the Lavanan Congress, who was in turn elected by the party membership and the Premier. In 1995, the Lavanan Congress and its members were to be elected democratically by all enfranchised citizens, the Premier was elected by a simple majority (usually relying on a coalition) in the democratically elected Lavanan Congress. The Premier required both approval by the Congress and the General Secretary of the LSWI, if the Premier lost support from either they would be required to step down and allow an acting Premier while the other approved a replacement.

The Premier remained under the continued support of the General Secretary. The Premier who by law must be a member of the LSWI, and a sitting member in the party General Assembly, held several privileges inside the party. The Premier had the right to appoint 20% of the members of the General Assembly, to ensure a friendly faction inside the assembly. The General Secretary was allotted 20% and the provincial assemblies another 20%, allowing the party membership to elect the remaining 40%. This balance ensured that the General Secretary be someone who could unite all 4 of these groups, and moderate accordingly. The General Secretary was as well granted several powers to appoint judges, and remove democratically elected office holders, making Lavana akin to a Semi-presidential One party Republic. The LSWI was made central to all the runnings of the state.

Party factionalism

The LSWI is itself a vastly factionalized party, akin to its first iterations. The LSWI has struggled to remain coherent, and has seen it be divided along ethnic lines, similar to Lavanas ethnic makeup. Zadavana Goube structured the LSWI such as to prevent the factionalism that had impacted the organization since its founding upon coming to power in 1953, centralizing power in himself. The Goubists as they came to be known represented an outlook of the LSWI which incorporated a unitary state centralized on Kachai and Ziban identity leaving out Ukilen and Majgar interests. Goubes fall from grace allowed a re entry of Ukilen and Majgar interests in the party which increasingly formed the United People's faction, which sought to federalize the state. During the 1990's, the United People's Faction were favored as they incorporated democratic principles into their beliefs, along with favoring Dezevauni policy and politics, which the party elite believed would ensure continued LSWI rule in the face of increasing social, economic, and ethnic tension.

The United People's faction was a popular alternative to the Goubists and increasingly secured its role inside the LSWI, ultimately gaining control over much of the Reform faction in the party in the 2000's, which held control of the Congress and democratic institutions in the state, while Goubists remained inside the lucrative state owned companies. Moderate members of the United People's were favored by successive General Secretaries starting with Inpong Manivong.

Laina Keomany Vice-Premier to Loe Vatthana, was favored by the General Secretary Chuacenur Noagiabegia due to her families heritage of being involved inside the Goubist faction. Following the death of Vatthana in 2019, Keomany cemented herself as a moderate, although increasingly targeted perceived rivals in the Goubist faction for corruption charges. Khudu Narinamoa who was elected in 2020, used his power to moderate Keomany, leading to both leaders cooperating on limited manners. Keomany who herself is tied to Narinamoa, through the marriage of his niece Muizegenhiu Kamsomphou with Keomany's grandson Vinliam Keomany, she remained on the sidelines after the second half of 2020. A change of attitude followed the death of Vinliam in October 2021, with Narinamoa exerting influence over Keomany more broadly and in politics over all. Keomany allies along with Reform faction, members increasingly questioned Narinamoa on public channels. With Congresswoman, and General Assembly member Maa Somphousiharath questioning the General Secretaries motives in December 2021.

Party election changes

Khudu Narinamoa General Secretary of the LSWI, announced the 7th of December, his intention to change the structure with which party elections were conducted, specially in regards to the allotment of seats in the General Assembly. The move would had reduced the power of the Premier, lower assemblies, and the general party membership in regards to the outcomes of the election, further centralizing power in the General Secretary. Such changes were perceived as the General Secretary desiring further control and centralization of the party apparatus.

The change would had allowed Narinamoa to ensure his continued election as General Secretary, as well as influencing the Premier with removal of approval, allowing himself to control all possible Premier outcomes from the Congress. Narinamoa could had greatly reduced the influence of Keomany's faction inside the party and allowed himself to ensure loyalists remained in key positions, and replace rivals in other positions. Keomany initially voiced concerns at the changes, and called for a consultation with herself over the issue, but no attempt was ever performed.

Following elections, the Narinamoa faction of the Goubists was able to remove Nergul Zibiangego from leadership in the Parties paramilitary wing, the People's Guard, and replace him with Shilugei Naimhejia who also held positions in the parties committee in the military, and is a 2nd cousin of Narinamoa. A vast array of nominations and placements removed a vast majority of Keomany loyalists and neutrals from positions of power, cementing Narinamoa in the LSWI.

Petrolav refinery attack

On March 1st, a state-owned, PetroLav refinery in Hacyinia, the Karakiya refinery in Eastern Hacyinia which was a joint venture between PetroLav and the Hacyinian Oil Group was attacked by Jurwak raider. The attack greatly damaged the facility, and resulted in the death of numerous workers, including PetroLav workers many of which are Lavanan nationals. The attack was strongly condemned by both sides, and provide Narinamoa a position to attack Keomany on her soft response to the attack. PetroLav's operating committee is closely connected to the Goupists and Narinamoa himself holds an advisory position on the company. Many in both governments questioned Keomany's action, and she remained mostly avoidant on the issue in the lead up to the coup.

Etrurian crisis and Champanian diplomatic spat

Etruria had been the site of massive protests and diplomatic condemnation after the passage of controversial laws, banning NGO's in the country, and opposing abortion. The laws prompted widespread protests in the country. Arthasthan who has a large diaspora in Etruria, and maintains a Subsection of the ruling Satrian Section of the Workers International in the country. The subsection was accused of being involved and inciting the protests leading to the exodus of assets and personnel from Etruria. The subsection was declared a terrorist organization the 1st of March, along with violent crackdown of protests that day. Jacqueline Bhabha the deputy leader of the subsection sought to seek refuge in the Lavanan embassy in Povelia after the announcement. She was granted asylum by Lavana, and was smuggled outside of Etruria on the 7th, via Amathia.

Champania who maintains a more conservative socialist government initially supported Etruria in its crackdown of protesters blaming the Euclean Community for inciting the protests and the violence that followed. Although initially not criticizing Arthasthan or Lavana for their involvement in the matter, Lavanan diplomatic officials criticized Champania for its support of non-Socialist Etruria in the matter which has garnered great condemnation abroad. Socialist countries criticized Champania, leading to the country severing ties with cultural institutions of numerous socialist countries, including Lavana on Friday March 7th. Lavana responded by closing Champanian institutions in its country and condemning Champania. Initially Narinamoa sided with Champania, blaming functionalist elements in the Socialist movement, and condemning the diplomatic spat. The recent attack on the PetroLav refinery further aided Narinamoa's accusations of Keomany as a weak leader, blaming her for the in moral involvement of the country in the Etrurian-Arthasthani dispute, and for the diplomatic spat between Lavana and Champania. Narinamoa also stated his support of the Champanian government, and praised them for standing against the functionalist elements in Socialism and the Euclean Community.

Lavanan Protests

Protests in Lavana are illegal, unless allowed by the government under permit. Lavanan students began protesting on Pers the 5th of March, after being granted a permit by the government a day earlier. The protests were aimed against the results of the party elections, most noticeably was the lack of major police response to the protests, and protesters were able to blockade several streets in Pers. The abnormal occurence was described by many as an attempt by Keomany to influence the General Secretary by allowing possible major protests throughout the country. Protests would come to define the coup 2 days later.

Military Movements

Lavanan Army units had been increasingly moved on the leadup to March, with numerous brigades being shifted around, primarily those perceived to be closely aligned to Narinamoa. Forward elements of the 1st Division led by General Madthai Chanthraphone who was seen as a Keomany ally began arriving to Pers on the 12th of February, as part of a standard rotation. Chanthraphone who had been appointed by Keomany to the position was appointed to the General Assembly for the first time in his life as part of Narinamoas Assembly delegation on Thursday 3rd. The move prompted the movement of numerous pro-Keomany units to Pers, and the announcement of Military exercises with Dezevau the following week away from Pers. The 1st Division was expected to be moved for these exercises on Sunday, while a pro-Keomany unit, the 31st Division under General Khoril Chanthavong was moved to replaced them. Chanthavong was a long time ally of Keomany and had been a member of her General Assembly delegation since assuming power. Another division the 99th, under General Tsolmon Bakhtzhany was to transit Pers between Monday and Wednesday on their way to exercises. Bakhtzhany is the son of Minister of Finances Emmanuel Bakhtzhany.

The abnormal movements which had seen units with family members of Keomany or her close partners was seen as an aggressive move. With many analysts believing some sort of Keomany coup would take place on Tuesday as thousands of troops would be in movement in or around Pers. The 31st Brigade led by Narinamoa's cousin Brigadier General Ariunbold Vorachith in the 1st Division was additionally scheduled to leave earlier than the other two brigades in its division from Pers, which were directly aligned to Keomany.

Events

Removal of Premier Keomany

At 10:00 Standard Lavanan Time it was reported that Narinamoa was going to hold a session in the party headquarters about 30 minutes later, which are located away from the city center unlike the General Assembly. At 10:15 Standard Lavanan Time. Gunfire was reported close to Pers near the Nong Khai railway station, which is usually by the military to rotate units. From this railway station the Pro-Government 31st Brigade was reportedly expected to leave that day for redeployment north of Pers for the Dezevauni training exercises. For some undisclosed reason, Narinamoa did not hold a press conference until 11:22. Narinamoa criticized Keomany and her leadership, citing the infiltration of Neo-Functionalists into her inner circle. He removed his support from her, and announced Suhk Bagabiada as the new interim Premier until new elections inside the congress could be held to elect a new leader. Pictures of equipment and armored vehicles entering Pers was reported at around the same time. Protests in support of Keomany began to be assembled. Units of the People's Guard were mobilized, as was the governments emergency services. Lavanan airspace was closed for the duration of the night and the 7th of March, prompting all aircraft on runways to stop, while planes above Lavana made an attempt to exit the airspace.

Laina Keomany holding an online livestream

At around 12:58 am Keomany held a press conference online, which was livestreamed through online platforms, using government accounts. In the press conference she accused Narinamoa of attempting a coup against Lavanan democracy, and subverting the will of the Lavanan public. She as well stated Champania, as a primary figure in support of the Narinamoa coup. She called on the populace to rise up in opposition of the coup, citing a return to the 1970's if they remained silent, also calling on the armed forces to remain loyal to the democratically elected government of Lavana, and not the dictatorship of the party. Following her speech large crowds were reported in Pers and other cities, while Government police forces were reportedly engaged with Pro-Keomany army units entering major cities. Major internet outages were reported inside the country.

The government center of Pers, which holds the offices of the Premier, the Congress, numerous government ministries, and the LSWI General Assembly. The center was protected by units Pro-Keomany army units, Premier Guard, and police forces. Fighting was reported inside city center as tanks and armored vehicles reached the city center. Some columns were delayed and or stopped by protestors. Another column was headed to the Premier residence which is about two blocks away from the government center. Another column of armored vehicles advanced towards the Nhidomou airport in Northern Pers, where Keomany could had equally hidden. Keomany loyal forces many of which were loaded up in trains outside Pers, or waiting at train stations were disembarked while some units of the 39th Division which were on the road were unloaded from their carriers and drove into Pers. Numerous officials announced their support for Keomany, and scuffles were reported on some army basis, as units were instructed to head to major cities to secure them. Pro-government forces were also reported to have entered numerous cities.

Morning fighting

Pro-Government forces move under cover by Armored Personnel Carrier to Pers City Center

Pro-Government forces began moving towards the City center, but faced difficulty over blockaded roadways. On Noir Street, a government convoy opened fire over blockading protesters accidentally hitting and killing a woman, the crowd dispersed and allowed the convoy through. Revolution Boulevard which heads directly into the center, was blockaded by trucks, many of which were set ablaze and did not allow Government forces to use this route. In other cities, fighting erupted.

Major highways into Pers were blockaded by police to allow Pro-Keomany tanks and troops into the city. The armored column headed towards Nhidomou Airport was reported to be destroyed, after Pro-Keomany special forces ambushed a convoy of 5 tanks, and 20 armored vehicles. A helicopter gunship was reported to have been involved as well in stopping this advance. 3 Government tanks along with 12 armored vehicles were destroyed or damaged, with the remaining vehicles being abandoned. The Caldian Ambassador Oisín Griffith reported helicopters being overheard in his residence close to the city center.

By sunrise it was reported that most if not all of Lavanas major cities were fully under Keomany control, with People's Guard helping to round up their former comrades. The morning rush in Lavanan cities was mostly normal, although military presence was high in all cities. Keomany tanks finally arrived at the gates of Pers and began moving into the city.

Events in other cities

(Basically gather everything else here, alphabetically btw)

• Meiangoga Pro-Government soldiers belonging to the 44th People's Guard Brigade secured the towns major infrastructure on the 7th. Armored vehicles belonging to the Pro-Keomany 1st Marine Brigade seized the town on the 9th. Fighting left 2 Pro-Government soldiers dead, and another injured. 44 People's Guards arrested.
• Laitaka A Pro-coup Keomany tank was attacked by Pro-Government People's Guard belonging to the 88th Independent Brigade. The tank was destroyed killing 2 soldiers with another injured and taken into custody. Pro-Coup soldiers belonging to the 33rd Tank Brigade took control of the town and arrested 135 People's Guard, along with 200 other Pro-Government functionaries and supporters on the 8th of March.
• Mai Maa An army officer was detained and killed during clashes between Pro-Keomany police officers and People's Guard and Government soldiers. Soldiers belonging to the 33rd Tank Brigade took control of the town on the 8th, and arrested 77 individuals.
• Liucpa A Pro-Coup convoy was ambushed upon entering to secure the city. A tank was damaged while local police and People's Guard aligned themselves with the Government, contrary to what Keomany supporters expected. 3 soldiers were killed and 5 injured during the ambush, and Liucpa remained mostly contested during the 7th. With additional clashes leaving 6 Pro-coup soldiers dead and another 10 injured, with Government forces taking limited casualties. Pro-Goverment forces consisting of 88 People's Guard, 16 soldiers, and 22 police officers surrendered the morning of the 8th, as Armored vehicles arrived to the city.

Battle of Pers

The Yellow Dragon Bridge over the Kung River.

Fighting was reported in the iconic Yellow Dragon Bridge, as Government tanks held the bridge. Helicopter gunships were reported to have been used to deter the government forces, and by 3 pm they had abandoned their posts allowing coup forces through. Coup forces did not attempt to enter the city by force. At 9am, coup units using 3 transport helicopters attempted to storm the City center. During the assault a Sin 100 Helicopter was shot down while another two were damaged, and the operation was cancelled, initially Government sources claimed that Keomany had been fleeing from the city center and was shot down. However this was untrue. Following the failed helicopter assault, coup forces surrendered after having suffered 32 killed and 40 wounded. Government forces cleared the government complex, and Narinamoa held a brief press conference at 12:40pm. Narinamoa stated that the coup had been defeated, and that Keomany was among the dead following the shot down of the helicopter at the city center.

Following the press conference, Keomany posted on social media a selfie, stating that she was alive and was not captured. Coup forces remained outside the city although they had mostly surrounded the city by noon. A coup reconnaissance bi-plane aircraft was shot down by Government soldiers outside of Nong Khai railway station.

Failure of initial coup

The attempt by Narinamoa was interpreted by foreign observers as a rushed attempt at seizing power, with the Premier and much of the leading party members not arrested within the first hours. Keomany who was allowed to broadcast herself on television prompting widespread protests which paralyzed Narinamoa's forces, and allowed Loyalists to Keomany to quickly enter Pers. Keomany which had not attended Congress sessions since March 4th, was photographed in a meeting with a youth Volleyball team in the official residence at 5pm, after which she retreated for the evening, as per usual. When Narinamoa forces entered the palace, they had discovered that Keomany was not in the residence nor were numerous members of her family, although all official vehicles of the Premier remained parked in the palace. Keomany and her family is believed to have escaped alongside the civilian volleyball team, after which she made her way north towards Nhidomou Airport, where the Premiers plane is located.

Later reports revealed that government forces attempted to seize much of the Lavanan bureaucracy with 3,000 soldiers, primarily loyal People's Guards, and police officers, in the lead up to Narinamoas address. Soldiers began swarming from the Nong Khai railway station headed towards the city center, as Pro-Keomany units were located inside the city. Although by the time that the government center and buildings had been secured and major roadways in Pers blocked by government forces. Keomany had delivered her address.

Experts believe that Keomany and most of her inner circle was either not in Pers, or in hiding prior to the first signs of a coup. Many believe that it is a result of Keomany herself planning a coup to remove Narinamoa, planned for the morning of the 7th when army units loyal to her would swarm the government center and arrest most of the party leadership which was already located in the city. Keomany had made preparations for a large amount of armored units to be located in or around Pers for March 7th, to allow the government the ability to quickly overwhelm and paralyze any attempts to resist. Experts now believe that Keomany's coup plan had been leaked or that Narinamoa had rushed to enact his own plan after the ad hoc announcement of the removal of numerous units not strictly loyal to Keomany in the coming days in an accelerated manner. Keomany which was already expecting fighting for the morning after when loyal tanks and soldiers would roll from Nong Khai station into the city center to arrest party leadership, saw Narinamoa's attempt as an unfortunate event. Numerous unregistered planes left Nhidomou airport in the hours before and after Narinamoas speech, and many believe that Keomany took to the air, as she expected army units to swarm the airport. But after their failure to do so, returned to the airport and gave her televised address.

Numerous experts look at the coup-preparations Keomany had made prior to her address, including an already prepared production facility and easy access to Government communications, that made her speech easily broadcast. Particularly was the movement of numerous federal police units to the airport on March 4th, to ensure security of the site.

International Reactions

Vinalia expressed support for Keomany and her coup, citing that democracy should and would always prevail.