Russia has sent 100 to 200 military instructors to Equatorial Guinea to train elite guards tasked with protecting President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. This deployment is part of Russia’s broader strategy to expand its influence in Africa, amidst concerns about human rights and geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Recent reports indicate that Russia has deployed between 100 and 200 military instructors to Equatorial Guinea, reinforcing its intentions to bolster its influence in Africa. These troops are primarily engaged in training elite guards within the capital, Malabo, and the second-largest city, Bata. The deployment, which appears to focus on protecting President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and his family, reflects a broader trend of Russian involvement in African military affairs, particularly in countries contending with instability.
Equatorial Guinea is a small country in Central Africa, recognized for its long-standing governance under President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has held power since 1979. As Russia seeks to expand its military and economic reach into Africa, reports of its military presence in Equatorial Guinea are not isolated incidents. Russia has previously been involved through paramilitary groups in various regions of Africa, particularly where it can exploit alliances with military regimes looking for support against insurgencies and for stabilizing power.
The presence of Russian military instructors in Equatorial Guinea signifies a growing geopolitical shift in the region, especially as local governments seek alternatives to traditional Western allies. This development might complicate the geopolitical landscape in Africa, particularly for nations like the United States, which have historically been invested in regional stability and development.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
