Reports Indicate Presence of Russian Military Advisors in Equatorial Guinea

New reports suggest Russian military advisors have arrived in Equatorial Guinea, raising strategic and diplomatic questions in the region. 

Russian military advisors are assisting with the training of local forces in Equatorial Guinea.

According to unnamed sources cited by Reuters on Tuesday, between 100 and 200 Russian instructors are reportedly collaborating with elite guards tasked with protecting the President and the first family.

The men have been spotted in the capital city of Malabo and Bata, which is the second-largest city in the country. Initial reports of Russian troop deployments there emerged in August.

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of oil-rich Equatorial Guinea has upheld robust relations with Moscow.

In September, Nguema traveled to Moscow and participated in the Russian Energy Week International Forum.

Russia has strengthened its military relationships with African nations by sending advisors and combat troops to the Central African Republic, Mozambique, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

Confronted with an Islamist militant insurgency, three countries in the Sahel region have sought assistance from Moscow and removed French and American forces.