The presidents of Equatorial Guinea and Russia met in September
Russia has reportedly deployed up to 200 troops to Equatorial Guinea to bolster security around the presidency, reflecting its growing influence in Africa.
The troops are said to be training elite guards in Malabo and Bata, the country’s primary cities, with deployments first reported in August.
Sources suggest some troops belong to Corps Africa, a rebranded paramilitary group formerly known as Wagner, now under Russian military control.
Led by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, in power since 1979, the country has faced international scrutiny over human rights abuses.
Equatorial Guinea has also pursued defense and resource agreements with Russia, diverging from traditional Western allies.
This development may challenge U.S. interests in the region, especially as Russia expands its partnerships across West Africa.
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