Chapter 201
Chapter 201: Consolidating Military Power
On June 14, 1869
Prince Constantine chaired the first military council in the East African colonies. The council gathered officers and staff, with Yarman and Stewart leading the discussions.
Yarman, despite his age and declining health, was highly trusted by Ernst for the role of overseeing the East African army due to his lack of ambition and seniority. Sitte, a younger and more energetic officer, presented the military report.
As of March that year, East Africa had a total of 98,000 standing troops, divided into eight military regions based on geographical directions. These regions varied in size and strength, with the Eastern Military Region being the most heavily fortified, as it included important cities like Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo, Tanga, and the First Town.
Suggesting a need for military restructuring, Sitte highlighted the need to merge smaller military regions and optimize their jurisdiction. Yarman recommended reinforcing the central region's defense, particularly the First Town, which he considered vulnerable due to its proximity to coastal ports. Additionally, Felix, the Deputy Military Chief of East Africa, called for military reforms to clarify roles, introduce Prussian army regulations, and standardize ranks.
This discussion touched upon various issues plaguing the East African army, with a common theme of centralizing military power and enhancing governance under Prince Constantine's leadership. This shift in power from the periphery to the central government aligned with Ernst's overarching goal of consolidating authority in East Africa.
Following the military discussions, Prince Constantine was introduced to the first telephone line in East Africa, allowing direct communication with Ernst in Europe. They discussed topics ranging from military reforms to naval development, with Ernst proposing a cautious approach to building an East African Navy using existing river and lake forces and gradually acquiring appropriate vessels for training and experimentation.