Russia has reportedly sent up to 200 troops to Equatorial Guinea to protect the presidency as it continues to expand its presence in Africa.
Media reports say the Russians are training elite guards in the country’s two main cities: the capital Malabo and Bata.
Reports of Russian troops deployed in the country first emerged in August.
Russia, seeking to gain more influence in Africa, has sent thousands of mercenaries to West and Central Africa in recent years to protect military regimes and help them fight insurgents.
The Reuters news agency quoted sources as saying that an estimated between 100 and 200 Russians had arrived in the past two months.
It said some were likely to be part of Corps Africa, a paramilitary force formerly known as Wagner before it was renamed and officially came under Russian military control.
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How Russia tries to influence Africa
There have been other reports of sightings of the mercenaries in both Malabo and Bata, which also indicate that they were there to protect the president and his family.
The small country of 1.7 million people is led by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the world’s longest-serving president who has been in power since 1979.
His son, Teodoro Obiang Mangue, who is known for his lavish lifestyle, is the country’s vice president.
He has been the center of scandals around the world and has been the subject of criminal charges and sanctions.
The government of Equatorial Guinea has been criticized for its human rights record, including arbitrary killings and torture, according to a US government report.
The country has tried to reach military deals, as well as gas and mineral exploration agreements with Russia and Belarus. It has made similar deals with China in the past.
Both the President of Equatorial Guinea and the Vice President have made several visits to Russia in the recent past.
According to state news agency TASS, President Obiang thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin in September for sending instructors to strengthen Equatorial Guinea’s defenses.
On Wednesday, Tutu Alicante, a US-based human rights activist from Equatorial Guinea, told US state broadcaster VOA that the alleged military presence in the country could undermine US geopolitical interests.
He said Russia is “absolutely flexing its military and economic muscles on the ground” through the physical presence of troops in the country.
The US has made investments in the past, including in the country’s energy sector, but interest has waned.
Some countries in West Africa that have suffered coups in recent years have broken away from traditional Western allies such as France, accusing them of not doing enough to quell jihadist uprisings as they seek closer ties with Russia.
Additional reporting by Ines Silva
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