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Russia’s Military Presence in Equatorial Guinea: An Expanding Influence
Recent reports indicate that Russia has dispatched as many as 200 troops to Equatorial Guinea with the intention of safeguarding the presidency, a move that reflects its ongoing efforts to enhance its foothold in Africa.
According to various media outlets, these Russian troops are primarily engaged in training elite security forces in the nation’s key cities, namely the capital Malabo and the coastal city of Bata. Initial reports of Russian military involvement emerged in August, marking a significant step in Russia’s strategic outreach on the continent.
Russia has increasingly sought to amplify its influence across Africa in recent years, deploying thousands of mercenaries to West and Central Africa. Their roles typically involve supporting military regimes and combating insurgent threats in these regions.
The Reuters news agency cited sources estimating that between 100 and 200 Russian personnel had arrived in Equatorial Guinea within the last two months. Some of these forces are believed to be affiliated with a paramilitary group now known as Corps Africa, previously identified as Wagner, which has since been officially integrated into Russian military oversight.
Reports have surfaced of the mercenaries being spotted in Malabo and Bata, underscoring their role in securing the president and his family amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Equatorial Guinea, a small nation with a population of approximately 1.7 million, is governed by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has held power since 1979, making him the longest-serving leader in the world. His son, Teodoro Obiang Mangue, serves as vice-president and is often linked to controversies due to his extravagant lifestyle and allegations of international legal troubles.
The regime has attracted significant scrutiny for its human rights practices, including allegations of arbitrary executions and instances of torture as reported by the U.S. government. In an effort to bolster its military capabilities, Equatorial Guinea has also been pursuing arms deals and resource exploration agreements with both Russia and Belarus, following a history of similar partnerships with China.
Both President Obiang and Vice-President Mangue have made multiple trips to Russia in recent months. In September, President Obiang commended Russian President Vladimir Putin for sending military instructors to enhance Equatorial Guinea’s defense forces, as reported by the state-run news agency TASS.
Commenting on the situation, Tutu Alicante, a human rights activist based in the U.S. and originally from Equatorial Guinea, stated that the presence of Russian troops could pose a risk to U.S. geopolitical interests in the region. He remarked that Russia is “definitely flexing its military and economic muscles on the ground” by establishing a physical presence in the country.
Historically, the United States has had significant investments in Equatorial Guinea’s energy sector; however, interest has substantially diminished over the years. Notably, nations in West Africa that have experienced coups in recent times are increasingly distancing themselves from traditional Western allies such as France, accusing them of inadequate responses to jihadist uprisings, and are actively seeking closer partnerships with Russia.
The ongoing developments in Equatorial Guinea serve as a crucial indicator of Russia’s broader strategy on the African continent and the shifting dynamics of international relations in the region.
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