Russia has strengthened its military presence in West Africa by deploying around 200 military instructors to Equatorial Guinea. This move is part of a broader trend of growing Russian involvement in the region, challenging Western influence and securing lucrative economic opportunities.
The deployment is seen as a strategic move to protect the presidency of Equatorial Guinea, particularly the long-standing regime of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has been in power since 1979. The presence of Russian security forces could help safeguard the president's regime and ensure a smooth transition of power to his son.
The implications of this move are far-reaching, with Russia expanding its military influence in West Africa and securing access to the region's natural resources. This development could have significant consequences for the global tech industry, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity, energy, and mining.