Reports suggest that the Russian Federation has likely deployed mercenaries from its African Corps in Equatorial Guinea, as evidenced by recent sightings in Bata. This follows diplomatic discussions between Russian officials and Equatorial Guinean leaders and reflects Russia’s continued military endeavors in Africa.
Recent reports indicate that the Russian Federation may have deployed mercenaries from its African Corps to Equatorial Guinea. A video shared by DiarioRombe on social media shows suspected mercenaries operating in the city of Bata, with vehicles actively moving, suggesting an increase in their activities in the area. While the individuals in the footage are seen wearing a widely utilized camouflage pattern (MultiCam), this does not definitively link them to the Russian forces, as this type of camouflage is common globally, including among various mercenary groups in Africa. It is pertinent to highlight that a Russian diplomatic delegation, including Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-bek Yevkurov and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, engaged in discussions with Equatorial Guinea’s leadership as recently as June. There are suggestions that Yevkurov is overseeing Russian operations in Africa, including activities in nations such as Libya, Niger, and Burkina Faso. However, media sources affiliated with Russian private military companies (PMCs) have not reported any confirmed deployments of such groups to Equatorial Guinea. Moreover, it should be noted that Belarusian interests are also evident in Equatorial Guinea, as a small contingent of mercenaries from the GardService company has been deployed there. In the broader context of Russian military engagement in Africa, it was reported that an incident involving Russian businessman Viktor Granov, linked to arms dealer Viktor Bout, occurred when the IL-76 cargo plane he was on was shot down in Sudan. The crash site yielded personal identification belonging to Granov, who had a history of involvement in arms supplies to conflict zones, including the Congo. Additionally, a fire was recently reported at a training base of Russian mercenaries in Krasnodar Krai, which has been utilized for training personnel, specifically those aligned with the newly formed “African Corps” following its establishment in July 2023.
The potential deployment of Russian mercenaries in Equatorial Guinea occurs amidst ongoing geopolitical relationships and military cooperation between Russia and several African nations. The Russian Federation has been increasing its footprint in Africa through various means, including military training, arms sales, and direct involvement in conflicts. Notably, the African Corps has been a strategic initiative aimed at extending Russian influence throughout Africa, particularly in regions with existing instability. The alleged presence of mercenaries in Equatorial Guinea aligns with Russia’s recent diplomatic engagements in the region, indicating a calculated approach to enhancing its military and political interests. Additionally, ties with Belarusian mercenaries suggest a broader network of foreign influence in a country that may require external support for its security needs.
In conclusion, the reported deployment of Russian mercenaries in Equatorial Guinea underscores the ongoing interest of the Russian Federation in expanding its military presence in Africa. This development, coupled with diplomatic interactions by high-ranking Russian officials, suggests a strategic move to solidify ties with Equatorial Guinea. The presence of mercenaries raises concerns about the implications for regional security and the potential consequences of further foreign military involvement in the region.
Original Source: mil.in.ua
