1678 Sanaman coup d'état

The 1678 Sanaman coup d'état was initiated on 11.XV.1678 by the Supreme Commander of the Sanaman Federal Armed Forces, Kenerale Adalwolf Hiedler.

Background

Following the Kalirion Fracture and the establishment of the Sanaman state, the federal government was desperate to find competent military commanders. The Shirerithian authorities did not appoint local ethnicities to higher office, instead preferring Praeta- or Istvanistani-speaking Shirerithians. The federal government therefor approached several Shirerithian officers that previously served in units in what became Sanama, offering positions in the highest military command. Among these former military commanders were Dux Adalwolf Hiedler who was appointed Supreme Commander of the Federal Armed Forces. The combination of a group of top military commanders with dubious loyalties and a lethargic and ineffective Federal Council and government, produced an opportunity for Hiedler to seize power.

Events

On 11.XV.1678 military vehicles were seen moving towards the federal government district in Niyi. Tanks quickly surrounded the Federal Assembly while personnel entered the offices of the Federal Council, arresting everyone present. The only person not present was council president Semisa Nakita Nur Pinito Caprici, who was visiting Drak-Modan on official business. On 12.XV.1678 General Hiedler addressed the nation on national television where he confirmed the coup d'etat, calling it a assumption of responsible government on the part of the armed forces. He also declared the suspension of the constitution, the dissoultion of the Federal Council, suspension of the Federal Assembly, and the institution of martial law. Furthermore, he confirmed his and Sanama's continued adherence to and support for the relationship with the Raspur Pact and all international treaties. He also announced the formation of the Council of National Reconstruction.

Since the coup there have been scattered firefights between loyalist forces and forces controlled by the junta in Niyi, Fatehpur Sikri, Acquecalde and other places throughout the country. Since the dissolution of the SALAD there exists no paramilitary organisation in the country able to oppose military rule. The leaders of the Sanaman Liberation Front, Coalition 1660, Northern League, and the Sanaman National Party met in secret on 15.XV.1678 at an undisclosed location where they pledged their continued support for democratic government, the constitution and recognised Semisa Caprici as representative of the federal government in exile. In a raid on 19.XV.1678, all four leaders were arrested by the junta and placed in house arrest. On 20.XV.1678, the junta announced that all political parties except for the Party of National Reconstruction were banned.