The Magadi

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Republic of The Magadi
République de Magadie

Flag of
Flag
of
Coat of arms
Motto: Unité - Travail - Progrès
Unity - Work - Progress
Capital
and largest city
Buholaux
Official languagesGaullican
Demonym(s)Magadian
GovernmentUnitary semi-presidential republic
• President
Denis Ogot
• Premier
Yvonne Mboya
Legislature National Assembly      
Independence from Estmere
• as the Kingdom of Adeland
30 September 1946
• Republic of The Magadi established
18 February 1967
Population
• 2019 estimate
2,261,329
GDP (PPP)2019 estimate
• Total
$3.195 billion
• Per capita
$1,413
GDP (nominal)2019 estimate
• Total
$1.592 billion
• Per capita
$704
Gini (2019)35.9
medium
HDI (2019)0.496
low
CurrencyMagadian denier (MGD)

The Magadi (Gaullican: Magadie), officially the Republic of The Magadi (Gaullican: République de Magadie), is a county located in west Bahia. It is bordered by Yemet to the south and Bamvango to the west. With an estimated population of 2,261,329, it is the smallest country in Bahia in terms of population. It is also the smallest country in Bahia by area. Lake Magadi, the country's namesake, is located along its southwest border. The Some River also defines much of the country's border with Country. Buholaux is the capital and largest city. It is The Magadi's primary financial, cultural, and political center.

Located at the crossroads of Bahia and Rahelia, The Magadi has a dynamic national history and has been a part of many different empires. As part of Bahia's Cradle of Civilization, The Magadi is among the world's oldest inhabited regions. Human settlement was centered on the banks of Lake Magadi, located in the southwest of the country. It was a part of several local empires before conquest by the Irfanic empires of Rahelia. It became part of the Gaullican Empire during the Toubacterie period when it was annexed into the Ade Protectorate. After the Great War, it became a mandate of Estmere known as Mandatory Adeland. In 1946, Adeland gained independence as a constitutional monarchy. Daniel Ogola seized power in a bloodless coup in 1967. Ogola implemented a new constitution and oversaw the transition away from monarchy to republic. He ruled until 1992 when he was removed in a second coup that resulted in a gradual transition to civilian governance and democratic elections.

The Magadi's economy is dominated by farming and mining. It is among the poorest nations of the world and relies significantly on international assistance. The country is a major crossroads of various trafficking routes and struggles with illegal labor practices, such as child labor.

Etymology

The country's name comes from The Magadi Lake. The lake is located on the country's southern border with Yemet. The name was adopted on 18 February 1967 after a new constitution was drafted. Previously, it was known as Adeland. The term Ade was take from one of the Gaullican Ade Protectorate, of which all of modern-day The Magadi was once a part of. The name was used in the Estmerish language. In Gaullican speaking countries, The Magadi is known as Magadie.

People from The Magadi are known as Magadians. In Gaullican countries, they are known as magadien or magadienne.

History

A recreation of the dodo's residence in a gweng.

The Magadi is among the world's oldest inhabited regions with human settlement dating back to the Neolithic period. Human settlement was centered on the banks of Lake Magadi, located in the southwest of the country. The earliest social organization in the country was the clans (anyuola). The Ororo people became the primary inhabitants of the region over 1200 years ago. Communities were established by clans. A settlement in the clan system was known as a gweng. Each gweng was led by one elder, with the title dodo. Other clan elders assisted in the administration of the community. Many of the elders were men of status who had gained notoriety through warfare, trade, wealth, or other notable accomplishments. Some clans, such as the Kagie, were matrilineal.

What is now modern-day The Magadi was a part of the Kamaba Empire from the 10th century until its collapse in the 11th century. Kamaba was conquered by Irfanic empires and split between them, with several rulers laying claim to the territory and control being disputed. The region was not considered to be distinct from what is modern-day Bamvango due to its association with the Kamaba. Like Bamvango, it was considered a frontier region. Many Bahian cultural institutions, such as Hourege, were never successfully established.

During Toubacterie, The Magadi came under Gaullican control. It was administered as part of the Gaullican Ade protectorate. Sotirian missionaries were active in the region, successfully converting a number of the Ororo tribes and the Welke people. Ade remained a backwater of Gaullican Bahia and saw little development. Some infrastructure was set up to support Gaullican mining activities and there was a small boom in diamond mining. Gaullican sowed divisions between the Ororo tribes, thwarting anti-colonial efforts. There was a minor uprising during Sougoulie when the Thuri Dominion of Heaven revolted in 1883. Despite some initial successes, the revolt was swiftly put down by the Gaullicans and affiliated Sotirian tribes. During the Great War, the Ade Protectorate participated in Gaullica's invasions of the neighboring Estmerish and Weranian colonies. By the end of the war, the protectorate was occupied by both Estmerish and Weranian colonial forces. After the Great War, it was split off from the newly formed Obergond Colony and became an Estmerish colony as part of an exchange for Kulo. It became the Estmerish Adeland Colony and was granted independence in 1946.

Colonel Daniel "le Patron" Ogola, the first military leader of The Magadi.

Adeland became a monarchy under the Kingdom of Adeland was established as an absolute monarchy. King Raila became the first and only monarch of Adeland. Corruption, authoritarianism, extreme poverty, and ethnic fighting resulted in removal by a coup in 1967. Colonel Daniel "le Patron" Ogola assumed power and declared himself president. A new constitution was drafted and the country became the Republic of The Magadi. In 1972, the Central African Confederation was established. The confederation's goal was to promote cooperation between the two countries and increase development. Ogola stalled centralization and refused to move The Magadi closer towards union. After Kashim Shehu staged a coup against the Banvangan government, the confederation was dissolved in March 1977.

Ogola remained in power until 1983. After his death, several military governments and civilian puppet governments followed. Armed fighting in Bamvango frequently spilled over into The Magadi, giving legitimacy to the military governments and the military's influence. A coup in 1992 resulted in a gradual transition to civilian governance and democratic elections. Since the transition to democracy, The Magadi has been known for its relative stability compared to neighboring countries and having to address spillover conflicts from Bamvango. The country is a major crossroads of various trafficking routes. The government has attempted to curtail this activity under international pressure, but recently has taken a more lax approach which has contributed to its overall relative stability. Cobalt and diamond mining remain major industries. Mines in The Magadi are known for the use of child labor or forced labor for victims of human trafficking. The government has failed to curtail these labor practices. The Magadi is a major benefactor from developmental aid, which accounts for nearly one-third of the national budget.

Government

Denis Ogot
Current President

The Magadi is one of Bahia's youngest democracies. The country began a transition to democracy in 1992 after a series of military governments. The current Constitution of The Magadi was adopted in 1994. It establishes the rule of law, protects the rights of citizens, and create the country's semi-presidential government. The Magadi's constitution draws heavy inspiration from the Constitution of Gaullica. Politics in The Magadi take place within the framework of a multi-party representative democratic republic. The popularly elected President of The Magadi serves as the head of state. Currently, Denis Ogot serves as president. The president is responsible for nominating the Premier of The Magadi and the government. The premier is the head of government and is responsible for its operations. Yvonne Mboya is the current premier and the first woman to hold the office. Executive power is held by the government. Legislative power is officially vested in the National Assembly. In practice, the government is also able to exercise through its parliamentary majority. The most recent election was held on 31 October 2020. Since democratization, the party system has been dominated by the The Magadi Workers' Party.

Judicary and rule of law

The judicary is independent of both the government and the National Assembly. It consists of local courts, the National Court, and a Court of Appeals. The National Court has unlimited original jurisdiction. It has the power to hear and provide rulings in any criminal, civil, or constitutional matter. The National Court is presided over by the Chief Justice. Should a party move for an appeal, it will be heard by the Court of Appeals.

Since democratization, the rule of law has been an important part of The Magadi's political culture. The 1994 constitution provides extensive protections for free speech, freedom of the press, and human rights. While there are strong constitutional protections in place, the government has at times struggled to guarantee these rights. The government has limited control in remote areas of The Magadi, making the rule of law harder to uphold.

Foreign relations

Since democratization, The Magadi has played an increasingly active role in international affairs. It is a member of the Community of Nations, Congress of Bahian States, and the International Forum for Developing States. It has worked to bring an end to conflicts in Bamvango, which have also been cross-border conflicts. Internationally, the government has worked to promote and advance human rights. The Magadi is a member of a number of international organizations.

Before the transition to democracy, The Magadi followed a formal policy of non-alignment. The military government had strained ties with Northern governments resulting from human rights violations. The coup against the pro-Estmerish Adeland monarchy also damaged ties. For a brief period, The Magadi was in confederation with Bamvango known as the Central Bahian Confederation.

The Magadi is a member of Estmerish Council and La Gaullophonie. It maintains close ties with the Estmerish government. It also cooperates with Dezevau and other members of the Brown Sea Community. The country is heavily reliant on developmental assistance. Major benefactors include Dezevau, Estmere, Gaullica, the Euclean Community, Rizealand, Senria, and Shangea.

Military

The Defence Forces of The Magadi consists of the Land Forces, the Air Forces, and the Gendarmerie. In 2019, the government spent 2% of the nation's GDP on the military. Equipment of the Land Forces and Air Forces are outdated. Soldiers in both tend to be inexperienced and primarily serve as reservists. The Gendarmerie is effective in its duties and is comparatively well-funded. It is primarily responsible for the country's defence and maintaining stability. The Defence Forces have been criticized for their inability to establish control over remote areas of the country. They are at times dependent on foreign support, particularly reliant on the Estmere Defence Force. The Defense Forces also struggle with equipment shortages, specifically the Air Forces. Many military aircraft are non-operational.

Human rights

Compared to other Bahian states, The Magadi ranks higher on many human rights metrics. There are laws against gender discrimination for hiring practices. However, their enforcement is inconsistent. Under national law, women and girls have equal access to education. As of 2018, the majority of students in the country's school system were girls. According to figures published by the Department for Education and Research, 45% of those enrolled in higher education programs were women. Child marriage is against the law.

In August 2020, the a National Court decision overturned laws making homosexual acts illegal. The court's ruling made homosexual acts legal. The government indicated that it had no interest in challenging the court's ruling or passing new legislation on the issue.

The National Centre for Human Rights in The Magadi was established in 1996. It is based in the capital Buholaux and maintains offices throughout the country. It works with the Magadian government, foreign governments, and non-governmental organizations to promote human rights in the country.

Demographics

As of 2019, the National Statistics Department estimated that The Magadi has a population of 2,261,329. The 2010 census recorded a population of 1,759,474. This figure is considered to be out of date. The 2020 census was suspended due to insufficient funds. In the 2010 census, the population is fairly young. 34.7% of the population was aged 15 and under, 35.9% were between 16 and 49, and 29.4% was aged 50 and above. Life expectancy is 65.57 years (67.24 years for females and 63.88 years for males).

 
Largest cities or towns in The Magadi
According to the 2010 Census
Rank Province Pop.
Buholaux
Buholaux
Mara
Mara
1 Buholaux Buholaux Province 193,125
2 Mara Arua 41,944
3 Alure Arua 39,884
4 Nyamirra Rorya 35,931
5 Bobasi Gucha 23,885
6 Manga Rorya 21,767
7 Ogutu Kisie 20,031
8 Gatumba Arua 11,700
9 Mugirango Kisie 10,317
10 Ogembie Gucha 10,024

Education

A teacher training program at the University of Buholaux.

Education is provided free of cost to students and families in state-run schools for nine years. Students attend primary school for six years and a universal secondary program for three. The government is currently working on plans to extend public schooling to 12 years. These plans have not fully materialized yet. Overall, enrollment is high but completion rates are comparatively low. Many students are unable to complete their schooling outside of major cities. Repetition rates are also high. It is common for a student to repeat the same year of schooling. Despite this, the literacy rate for children under 15 is 74%. Much of the state's budget for education is supplemented by international aid. While schooling is free, many families are expected to contribute to the cost of education for their children. Materials are not provided by state-run schools due to budget constraints. However, there are international charity programs that provide assistance for families and schools. National law also defines education as a right and stipulates that cost should not be grounds for exclusion. There are many private schools throughout The Magadi. Many are church-run and all charge tuition fees. All instruction in state-run schools is provided in Gaullican.

Religion

Our Lady of Sorrows Cathedral in Buholaux.

The largest religion in The Magadi is Solarian Catholicism. Pre-colonization, Bahian fetishism was the dominant faith. Gaullican missionaries established churches throughout the country and converted most of the population. As of the 2010 census, 64% of the population identified as Solarian Catholic. Irfanis represented 13% of the population and Fetishists 12%. 1% of the population did not identify with any religion. There has been a blending of beliefs between the three faiths, but this is not officially recognized.

Healthcare