In September, President Obiang thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for sending instructors to strengthen Equatorial Guinea's defence, according to state news agency TASS.

Russia has deployed up to 200 military instructors to Equatorial Guinea in recent weeks to protect the presidency, sources told Reuters, showing Moscow is expanding its footprint in West Africa despite a recent defeat in Mali.

Moscow has allegedly deployed 100 to 200 military personnel to Equatorial Guinea to protect the president and his family. According to reports, the Russian troops will train elite security forces in the country’s main cities,

The deployment fits into a wider pattern of waning Western influence in the region while offering Moscow funding opportunities.

Russia has deployed around 200 military instructors to Equatorial Guinea in recent weeks to protect the presidency. ・Russia has deployed around 200 military instructors to Equatorial Guinea to protect the presidency.

Russia has likely sent around 200 military instructors to Equatorial Guinea to assist in protecting President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, according to Reuters. Sources report that Russian instructors sent to Equatorial Guinea in recent weeks will be training elite guards for the President.