The quiet yet conspicuous arrival of Russian mercenaries in Equatorial Guinea has triggered growing unease among citizens and rights groups, as questions mount over their purpose and lack of transparency.
Since August 2024, white men in combat fatigues, some bearing Russian insignia, have become a common sight in the capital Malabo especially near the presidential palace. Yet, their deployment has never been officially announced, and they are absent from state media coverage, raising suspicions in this tightly controlled nation ruled for 45 years by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema.
Local residents, already grappling with high unemployment and poverty, view the foreign fighters with skepticism. “Their presence offers no benefit to the population,” says Baril, a Malabo resident. Many wonder why mercenaries are needed in a country not at war, especially when the national army continues to recruit annually.
Telecom engineer Juvenal Osuan echoes this sentiment: “We have our own army. Why bring in foreign soldiers?”
Although the government has issued vague press releases referencing military cooperation with Russia, they fail to explain the nature of the mercenaries’ mission. No formal military training, as suggested in the agreements signed earlier this year, has been observed, according to military sources.
Human rights lawyer Tutu Alicante of EG-Justice described the secrecy as “extremely disturbing.” He criticized the government’s failure to disclose critical information such as the mercenaries’ mandate, duration of stay, and cost to the public.
Security sources estimate the number of Russian paramilitaries at around 300, with reports indicating they are protecting the president, first lady, and Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang. This has led analysts to speculate that the regime is increasingly wary of internal threats, including potential coups.
Additionally, allegations from Spain-based outlet Diario Rombe suggest Russia may be recruiting Equatorial Guineans to fight in Ukraine under the guise of offering training scholarships.
While the government remains silent, the opaque deployment of foreign fighters underscores deepening ties between Malabo and Moscow and highlights growing fears among citizens over the erosion of sovereignty and rising foreign influence.
