Kismayo is a port at the mouth of the Juba River. It was occupied by Italy in 1876. However, Italy did not go deep into the interior. It only occupied this colonial point as a trading port and exported goods from Italy to nearby tribes.
products, and also purchased some local livestock and other local specialties. How can I say my life was good or not, at least I didn’t lose money.
However, the atmosphere has become different recently, and Aral Mensah, who is tired of his career, was the first to feel it.
"What's going on?"
He pulled over an acquaintance and asked.
"Mensah, you are back. You said these soldiers were sent from China. Now Major Tovani is no longer the commander in the city. I heard that a colonel named Crowley has taken over the army."
The acquaintance's answer made Mensa feel that it was unusual, because there were too many troops. He saw at least hundreds of soldiers wandering around the city. He remembered that when he was chatting with Major Tovani, he said it himself
With the more than 400 defenders at his disposal, he can still defend the local natives even if tens of thousands of them come.
As for why he was able to get to know Major Towani and seem to have a good relationship with him, it must be mentioned that he is gifted with the ability to communicate with the local indigenous people. He can communicate with the locals fluently in Somali. In addition,
, he can also easily win the favor of the locals.
Someone with such a talent should be rich, so Mensah’s caravan is the most profitable in Kismayo. Since it is the most profitable caravan, it must involve local powerful people, and as the commander of the Kismayo garrison
It is reasonable for Major Tovani, who is an official, to take part. In addition, local civil affairs officials have also invested in the company.
With the participation of local military and political officials, Mensah's business has grown bigger and bigger. He has become the largest businessman in Kismayo, and one-third of the local transaction volume is completed by him.
Therefore, he is famous not only in Kismayo, but also in various strongholds throughout Italian Somalia.
However, this fame does not necessarily bring only benefits. Not only did he just return to his home, but before he had time to take a rest, he saw Major Tovani's adjutants rushing to find him.
"Hello, Lieutenant Kolo, what kind of wind brings you here?"
Seeing the second lieutenant adjutant brought in by the servant, Mensah immediately greeted him with a smile. As a businessman, he was very polite to everyone, especially second lieutenant Colo, who was also the adjutant of Major Tovani.
Got etiquette.
However, compared to Mensah's smiling face, the adjutant's eyes were a little dodgey, and he said in a stiff tone, "Mr. Mensah, the major is waiting for you at the headquarters."
Second Lieutenant Colo's words made Mensa's heart tremble. It was not that he was afraid that he would be in danger, but that he had a premonition that summoning him this time would not be a good thing.
"Please wait a moment, I'll change my clothes and come right away."
After Mensah retreated to his room, feeling uneasy, he secretly called a confidant and gave him a note. "If I don't come back at night, go to this place immediately to find a man named Lille, and tell me
Need his help."
This is an escape route left by Mensa, but I hope it won't be used.
"Okay, sir."
Facing Mensa's instructions, this confidant who had been raised since childhood nodded vigorously.
After explaining the matter, Mensah immediately changed into clean clothes and followed Lieutenant Colo out.
Lu Mensa was also familiar with the command post, and soon he arrived at the command post located in the military camp in the east of the city. This command post was obviously different from the previous one. Not only the guards had changed, but even the military camp was filled with the sound of drills.
Mensa's heart became even heavier.
"Mr. Mensah, Colonel Crowley and Major Tovani are waiting for you inside."
Walking to the door, Lieutenant Colo made a gesture of invitation.
Mensah had no choice but to go in. When he entered his house, he felt something unusual because compared to the messy headquarters in the past, it had been cleaned up now, and there was a large map of Somalia hanging on the wall, and there was also a large wooden table with
There was actually a sand table set up, and two officers were giving instructions on it.
"Report, Mensa Laughter has been brought."
Following Lieutenant Colo's voice, the two officers raised their heads.
He knew Major Tovani, but this was the first time he saw another officer with a stern face and the rank of colonel. He believed that this officer was Colonel Crowley.
"The whole of Kismayo knows about the colonel's deeds. How can anyone not know you?"
Colonel Crowley did not pursue Mensah's foolish words, but instead asked him. "I heard that you are the most successful businessman here?"
"I don't dare, that's all because of everyone's modesty."
Although Mensa was polite, he did not deny it.
Since there is no denying it, that's it.
"So Mr. Mensa should be familiar with the surrounding tribes?"
“Just average.”
After receiving Mensah's answer, Colonel Crowley immediately told the reason for summoning him this time. "Mr. Mensah, we summoned you this time because we have a task to ask for your help."
"This... I'm just a businessman, I may not be able to do it."
Faced with Mensah's refusal, Colonel Crowley completely ignored it. "It doesn't matter, it's easy to do. Our military would like to ask you to be our guide and take us to find those tribes."
Facing Colonel Crowley's words, Mensah waved his hands repeatedly. "This is not okay, I can't do it."
These tribes were his food, clothing and parents. If he was asked to lead an army to find these tribes, he would not agree to it without even thinking about what was going on.
"Don't be too busy saying no to Mr. Mensah."
Colonel Crowley had obviously expected Mensah's reaction. How could this be possible if he just asked him to pay without getting anything in return? He took out a document and put it in front of Mensah.
"This is a Lanfang franchise license. As long as you can lead us to find those tribes, then this license is yours."
The license that Colonel Crowley produced made Mensa envious. He was not only interested in doing business in Kismayo, he was also very well-informed. He knew that this flimsy document would cost at least five to six million yuan in the country.
Lira. Because the government is very strict in issuing franchise licenses in Lanfang. Only with such a license can one buy various spices that are specialty products in Lanfang.
Although the spice business does not allow people to get rich like it did in the last century, it is certain to make money. So now he is a little hesitant. After all, he is a businessman and not a politician. How can he just let it go?
"Can you let me think about it?"
"Okay. But it will only last one night at most. We will have to find someone else tomorrow."
Faced with Colonel Crowley's words, Mensah left the military camp uneasy.
After a sleepless night, with dark circles under his eyes, he came to the military camp again.
"Colonel Crowley, can I take another look at that permit?"
Mensah's words made Colonel Crowley smile.
"Can."
Mensah's incident is not isolated. It is happening in Italian strongholds in Somalia. Many businessmen with connections to local tribes were invited over. When they faced the conditions offered by the government, they did not hesitate to betray their connections.
Tribes that trade on their own. There are even greedy businessmen who beg the military to allow them to lead people to conquer the local indigenous people.
It was through these merchants that the Italian army found each tribe. When these natives faced the modern Italian army, their outcome was already doomed.
