KEY POINTS
- Russian forces deploy to Equatorial Guinea to train guards.
- President Obiang welcomes Russia’s support for national security.
- Moscow strengthens economic and military ties in Africa.
Russia has sent, according to various sources, military specialists to the country, contributing to a more extensive Russian presence in West Africa.
It was reported that about 200 Russian operatives are present in key areas to prepare local forces and ensure the control of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has been in power since 1979.
Rising Russian influence in Africa
In recent years, Russia has stepped up its footprint across West and Central Africa, taking advantage of waning Western influence. As nations in the region turn to Moscow for security assistance, Russian forces have provided support to several governments, often in return for lucrative resource contracts in mining and energy.
The deployment in Equatorial Guinea appears consistent with this pattern. Russian personnel, reportedly part of the Africa Corps—a Kremlin-backed paramilitary unit—are training elite guards in both the capital, Malabo, and Bata, on the country’s mainland.
Equatorial Guinea’s president and long-time ruler Obiang, who recently visited Moscow, expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the “instructors” sent to reinforce his government’s security apparatus.
Sources reveal that many of these foreign security personnel are tasked with protecting Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, who has faced multiple international sanctions and criminal investigations over alleged corruption.
This growing Russian presence, according to diplomatic insiders, could help to secure the ruling family’s future amid succession planning.
Economic and military interests intertwine
Russia’s recent moves in Equatorial Guinea fit into a broader global strategy. Moscow gains not only from providing security services but also from potential future access to the nation’s oil and gas sector, which has attracted foreign investment in the past.
Once a major hub for U.S. companies like Exxon Mobil, Equatorial Guinea has seen diminished Western interest as American energy production rises.
Two months ago, discussions reportedly took place between Russian and Equatorial Guinean officials to facilitate entry for Russian companies into the oil and gas market.
According to Reuters, Equatorial Guinea’s current production sits around 80,000 barrels per day, significantly down from its peak output in the early 2000s.
Strategic foothold in the gulf of guinea
Observers point out that this deal does not just remain limited to the sphere of economy – now Russia is geopolitically deepened in a region which always used to be associated with the Western states.
Earlier, US authorities have stated that Russian security activities may have a strategic importance, and experts consider the recent action as part of Moscow’s effort to exert influence on the world.
Given the continuing presence of Russian-trained forces across West and Central Africa, Russia has the relative capacity to backpinning allied governments and secure profit, which disconcerts Western interest in the region.
