Russia Deploys Military Instructors to Equatorial Guinea Amid Growing Influence in Africa.

Moscow strengthens its military presence in West Africa by deploying instructors to Equatorial Guinea, according to Business Insider Africa. Courtesy image.

Russia has reportedly sent between 100 and 200 military instructors to Equatorial Guinea to bolster the security of the presidency and train elite guards, marking a further expansion of Moscow’s influence in Africa.

According to various media outlets, the Russian contingent has been stationed in the country’s two main cities—Malabo, the capital, and Bata. This deployment is part of a broader Russian strategy to strengthen its presence on the African continent, where it has increasingly positioned itself as a key military and political player.

The presence of Russian troops in Equatorial Guinea first came to light in August, with reports suggesting that the military personnel were tasked with providing training and protection to the country’s leadership. The Russian instructors are said to be working closely with local forces, focusing on enhancing the capabilities of the elite presidential guard tasked with protecting President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, who has ruled the country for over four decades.

The deployment is seen as a continuation of Russia’s efforts to expand its footprint in Africa, where it has actively engaged in military partnerships, particularly in countries with unstable security situations. In recent years, Russia has sent thousands of mercenaries, often linked to the Wagner Group, to various nations across West and Central Africa. These forces have assisted military regimes, provided security for critical infrastructure, and supported efforts to combat insurgencies.

According to sources cited by Reuters, some of the Russian personnel in Equatorial Guinea are believed to be part of a restructured paramilitary unit known as Corps Africa. This group, which was previously known as Wagner, has been officially brought under Russian military command, signaling Moscow’s growing interest in formalizing its military engagements across the continent.

This deployment underscores Russia’s broader ambitions to cultivate strategic alliances in Africa, a region rich in natural resources and geopolitical significance. In recent years, Russia has sought to challenge the influence of Western powers in Africa, offering military support, economic deals, and diplomatic backing to various regimes on the continent.

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