Russia has sent 200 troops to Equatorial Guinea to support President Teodoro Obiang’s security, indicating a shift towards increased Russian influence in Africa amidst declining Western presence. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to assist military regimes and tackle jihadist threats, with economic motivations in resource sectors also at play.
Russia has deployed up to 200 troops to Equatorial Guinea to bolster the security of President Teodoro Obiang. According to various African media outlets citing security sources, these Russian forces are tasked with training elite presidential guards in the nation’s primary cities, Malabo and Bata. There are indications that this contingent may also include Belarusian troops, reflecting Russia’s strategic alliances in the region. This deployment is part of a larger trend of diminishing Western influence in Central and West Africa, where Russian mercenaries, operating under the name Africa Corps, have become increasingly active in supporting military juntas and countering jihadist threats. For President Obiang, who has maintained power since a coup in 1979 and is preparing his son for succession, the presence of Russian forces could deter potential threats to his regime. President Obiang’s recent visits to Moscow, where he expressed gratitude to President Vladimir Putin for military support, underscore the growing ties between Equatorial Guinea and Russia. The presence of Russian troops in the nation was first reported in August, coinciding with Russia’s broader efforts to enhance its influence across Africa, often linked to economic objectives in sectors like mining and energy, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions stemming from the conflict in Ukraine.
The involvement of Russian troops in Equatorial Guinea occurs within a significant geopolitical context. Since 1979, President Teodoro Obiang has ruled Equatorial Guinea, with recent indications pointing to a dynastic succession plan involving his son. This latest deployment of Russian forces reflects not only a bilateral response to security needs but also a larger strategy by Russia to expand its influence in Africa. Increasingly, Russia has focused on Africa as a key area to counter Western hegemony, utilizing private military contractors to engage in various missions that align with its geopolitical gains, particularly in resource-rich regions afflicted by instability.
In summary, the recent deployment of Russian troops to Equatorial Guinea represents a strategic alliance aimed at consolidating President Obiang’s regime and reflects broader patterns of Russian engagement in Africa. The implications of this military presence warrant close observation, as they not only affect internal stability within Equatorial Guinea but also contribute to the changing dynamics of power and influence between global actors in the region.
Original Source: www.agenzianova.com
