Russia has sent up to 200 troops to Equatorial Guinea to protect the presidency, as it continues to expand its presence in West Africa despite a recent defeat in Mali. Specifically, The Russians are training elite guards in the country’s two main cities: the capital, Malabo, and Bata.
Russia, which has been trying to gain more influence in Africa, has in recent years sent thousands of mercenaries to West and Central Africa to protect military regimes and help them fight insurgents. Between 100 and 200 of them arrived in the last two months.
Rombe Diarya Spanish-based media outlet close to the opposition in Equatorial Guinea, has published the latest arrivals of Russian soldiers in the country. In August, to Malabo, capital of Equatorial Guinea, “to protect the succession”.
when a new group of Russian mercenaries landed in the continental region of Equatorial Guinea. The witnesses to the event, very scared, told the media how They saw soldiers unloading heavy weapons in the port of Bata with very strict security measures. “The Russians had absolute control of the perimeter. No one could get close, their organization was millimetric and chilling”they reported.
Analyzing the photographs published by Rombe Diary Using facial recognition software, Reuters has identified one of these last men deployed in Equatorial Guinea as a elite paratrooper who has served in units in southern Russia.
The president with the longest years in power
Reports claim that these soldiers are in the country to protect the president and his family. With a population of 1.7 million inhabitants, Equatorial Guinea has been run since 1979 by Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogothe president with the longest years in power in the world.
Your son, Teodoro Obiang Mangueknown for its luxurious lifestyle, is the vice president of the country. has starred several scandals around the world and has been subject to criminal charges and sanctions.
Equatorial Guinea’s administration has faced criticism over its human rights record, including arbitrary killings and tortureaccording to a US government report.
