Tenuous Calm Holds in Okhoa Amid Zuhlgani Base Talks and Constitutional Convention Tensions
Ka’atria, Okhoa— Two weeks after the Okhoa Civil Defense Patrol (OCDP) launched unprecedented raids on three Zuhlgani military installations, a fragile calm has settled over the region, punctuated by tense negotiations and intensifying domestic political strain. While no further gunfire has been reported, the confrontation remains unresolved. Casting a long shadow over the ongoing Constitutional Convention that was meant to mark a new era in Okhoan self-governance.
According to multiple sources close to the Okhoa Regional Council, backchannel talks mediated by World Forum representatives are underway in Ka’atria, seeking to broker an orderly withdrawal of Zuhlgani personnel from Bases Q‑3, Q‑7, and Q‑9. These bases remain under OCDP perimeter lockdown following last week’s armed standoffs, which nearly tipped into direct conflict.
Despite initial optimism after emergency talks opened six days ago, progress has slowed to a crawl. Zuhlgani defense officials continue to reject any withdrawal not sanctified by the Celestial Sovereign or the Dominion’s Security Council. A Zuhlgani communique issued Monday insists that “any withdrawal must align with sacred covenants governing Dominion security architecture and cannot be unilaterally dictated.”
Inside Okhoa, frustrations are mounting. Sources within the Regional Council say the OCDP’s occupation of the three bases was initiated in part to prevent the secret removal of classified surveillance and weapons systems believed to be in violation of post-referendum transition agreements.
“Zuhlgan was packing crates into trucks before anyone could open them,” one lawmaker said anonymously. “This was about keeping leverage, not just protecting sovereignty.”
Zuhlgani officials have denied these claims, calling them “fabrications intended to justify extralegal aggression.”
The World Forum Transition Oversight Mission (WFTOM), assisting in the drafting of Okhoa’s constitution, remains on-site and continues to shuttle between parties. A spokesperson told reporters Tuesday that “meaningful engagement has occurred,” but warned that “the constitutional process cannot proceed in good faith under military standoff.”
Unofficially, several member states are now considering the deployment of neutral stabilization observers if tensions worsen, though the Regional Council has so far resisted any international security presence beyond the existing WF team.
Meanwhile, Krauanagaz has offered to mediate a phased withdrawal in exchange for guarantees protecting Dominion personnel, though Zuhlgani leaders have reportedly rejected Krauanagazan involvement, accusing the Federation of “instrumentalizing the crisis to expand influence.”
The military standoff has further complicated the work of the Okhoa Constitutional Convention, now entering its third week. While early sessions focused on establishing frameworks for local governance and land use rights, debate has since shifted to the issue of defense and foreign policy authority, questions made more urgent by the current standoff.
Delegates are reportedly split over whethe the new constitution should formally prohibit foreign military basing or leave security arrangements to future executive negotiation. Pro-autonomy groups argue for strict limitations, while more moderate factions warn that immediate restrictions could jeopardize much-needed international support.
A draft clause leaked Wednesday outlines a potential compromise in allowing foreign military presence “only under treaty conditions ratified by a supermajority of the Okhoa Council and Parliament.” It remains unclear whether this language will survive committee review.
Outside the negotiation halls, tension simmers. In Okhoa, protestors have gathered near the WFTOM compound demanding full withdrawal of Zuhlgani troops, while counterprotests organized by pro-Dominion religious groups have called for “sacred security to defend unity.”
Humanitarian organizations warn that anxiety in base-adjacent communities is reaching a breaking point. Several international NGOs have relocated staff, and at least two hospitals report increases in anxiety-related emergencies.
“There’s fear of sudden violence, yes, but more than that. People are afraid that this moment will slip away,” said Imani Ture, field director of Relief Frontiers International. “The referendum was supposed to be a turning point. Instead, they’re watching the future stall under old shadows.”
Both sides are now facing growing pressure to de-escalate. A confidential WF memo obtained by The Yayyára Record suggests a “soft consensus” exists on removing non-critical military equipment within ten days if Dominion forces are guaranteed immunity and escorted by World Forum monitors.
Still, no formal deal has been reached, and observers warn that each passing day risks further deterioration of public trust in the convention process and Okhoa’s broader stability.
“This is the moment that will define what kind of autonomy Okhoa will have,” said Professor Rellin Sharvak of the University of Alkantara. “A constitution built under siege cannot endure. The question now is whether anyone, not just in Okhoa, but in Ozákla and Varekko, can show the restraint to keep it alive.”