Kijuju is a small country in West Africa. Shortly before 2009, the country was subject to a devastating civil war and regime change, resulting in a new government taking hold. The country quickly turned into a haven for terrorists and prime location for black market sales. Armed guards patrol many of its streets and remote cities remain ignored by the provincial government for long periods of time. Beginning in 2009, a small region of Kijuju known as the "Kijuju Autonomous Zone" became the stage for a new threat of bioterrorism
History
Since the change in government, Kijuju 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 committed in broad daylight with no one bothering to interfere. Kijuju is geographically 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 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 Sodibayans 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 a 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 postcolonial 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 Corporation has maintained research facilities in Kijuju for decades. The pharmaceutical division of Tricell Incorporated re-opened a facility that closed in the wake of Umbrella's bankruptcy to use for its own research, and employed heavily armed security to protect its facilities in the 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.
Bioterrorism (2009)
In a bid to obtain valuable data on the newly developed Type 2 Plagas, Tricell began to infect the local population of Kijuju with samples of the parasite. These samples were provided by Ricardo Irving, who was also responsible for administering the Type 3 Plagas to the Sodibayans in the marshlands. Gradually, chaos and madness descended upon the population.
The infected populace was then evaluated for how well they could be controlled, and were given the directive to attack agents of the BSAA From this, combat data was also derived. During the chaos, the army was deployed on February 20, 2009 and a quarantine zone was set up around the autonomous zone to prevent the infection from spreading. However, no action was taken to eradicate the threat. Instead, a huge wall was erected around the zone with guards patrolling the outside perimeter to prevent anyone from escaping or entering without authorization.
The KAZ became the sight of a bio-weapons deal between unknown American buyers and Ricardo Irving, a matter which piqued the interest of the BSAA who quickly launched an investigation. Three teams were deployed to handle the matter; Alpha Team led by Captain Dan Dechant which was sent to the supposed site of the deal, Bravo Team which consisted of Special Operations Agents Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar and Delta Team, led by Captain Josh Stone. Bravo and Delta team were to provide backup. The operation was doomed from the beginning, as the deal location was changed at the last minute to a mine on the outskirts of Kijuju. Instead, a sample of the Uroboros Virus was unleashed against Alpha Team, decimating them.
Delta Team was quickly deployed to provide backup, and handled a large clean-up operation of Kijuju. However, an Ndesu specimen wiped out the team. An evacuation order was put through, and the KAZ was carpet-bombed in order to contain the biohazard.