KIJUJU AUTONOMOUS ZONE

The Kijuju Autonomous Zone is a small region in West Africa. A recent coup has resulted in a new government taking hold, turning Kijuju into a hotbed of black market sales and a haven for terrorists. Armed guards patrol many of its streets and remote cities remain ignored by the provincial government for long periods of time.

It has become an environment hostile to stranger and native alike, with rampant corruption infesting even the lowest levels of government. Citizens must always be ready with bribes, and crimes are often commited in broad daylight with no one borthering to interfere. Kijuju is graphically diverse, featuring vast plains, wet marshlands, an extensive network of caves, and even an active volcano. Its natives live in cities and villages throughout the region. While its cities are significantly more advanced than the villages, the lax government has allowed both to fall into a state of disrepair.

There are a number of different cultures existing side by side in Kijuju, including Arabs and various indigenous African tribes. Notable among the tribes are the Sodibayans and the Ndipayans. While they co-exist peacefully, these two peoples remain mostly segregated. The Ndipayans live in and around caves, which they are fiercely protective of, while the Sodipayans make their living in the marshlands. Generally, most people in Kijuju are able to speak Swahili in addition to their local tongue.

There is also significant industrial presence in Kijuju, with some businesses having operated in the country as far back as the 1960's. This presence has provided much-needed capital to post-colonial Kijuju, allowing it to exist, if not thrive, over the years. The factories tend to be very important to their immediate area, as they hire employees from the local population and pour valuable resources back into the city.

Umbrella has maintained research facilities in Kijuju for decades. Tricell's pharmaceutical division has recently re-opened a facility that closed in the wake of Umbrella's bankruptcy to use for its own research, and employs heavily armed security to protect its facilities in the current time of strife. Visitors to Kijuju should expect to find a somewhat unwelcome atmosphere and attitude. Outsiders are viewed with suspicion, due in part to the recent upheaval, and should consider looking for a local host or guide to facilitate travel in and around Kijuju. Expect to devote a certain amount of time, currency and energy to navigating its dangers and corruption.

NOTABLE LOCATIONS:

Public Assembly:
A town square of sorts with a big stand constructed for leaders to address their people. There are a number of buildings and shops scattered around.

Shanty Town:
Full of ramshackle houses and tightly squeezed together blocks. Travel is limited through here as the roads are so narrow. It links the public assembly area to the train yards.
Mining Area: The mines around Kijuju were all owned by Tricell and workers from all over the world were hired to come and work here.

Marshlands:
The wetlands are governed by two tribes; the Sodipayans and the Ndipayans. Both live in peace and have little contact with the outside world. In the 1980’s the tribes were tricked by Tricell and their land was stolen to construct the oil fields. To atone for this, Tricell built a gondola that allowed for them to cross the swamp and reach the mainland. They also provided alcohol and amenities from other countries.

Ndipaya Caves:
The Ndipaya had been living here for centuries, worshipping the sonnentreppe flower and marvelling in the unique properties it produced. The Ndipaya eventually abandoned their kingdom for the marshlands. The reasons for this were never officially known but murals left behind show the tribesmen being attacked by vicious horned beasts. It’s likely the Progenitor Virus was involved here and the flowers had been eaten by livestock. The ruins of the ancient city still remain and it is a wondrous sight to behold.

Umbrella/Tricell Africa:
Work began on Umbrella’s African facility in 1968 after the corporation had forcefully driven the Ndipaya away from their lands. It was built directly around the sun garden where the sonnentreppe flowers grew. The facility was built into the rocks of the mountain and was completed in June 1969. But following requests from Director Bailey, the facilities were expanded.

Umbrella Africa was eventually shut down in November 1998 following the Raccoon City incident. This was done to preserve the secret of the location of the Progenitor flower. It was nearly ten years later when Albert Wesker learned of the location and led Tricell there in February 2007. The facility was re-opened and expanded once more. Colossal warehouses were constructed as well as a giant atrium that housed stasis pods for captured test subjects and guinea pigs.