Recent interactions between Russia and Equatorial Guinea, located in Central Africa, have seen a significant increase in collaborative efforts. One of the latest developments is Russia’s strengthening of its security and military ties with the ruling regime led by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. This includes the deployment of approximately 200 Russian soldiers in November 2024 to support the government structure, which began gradually in August 2024 from a Russian base in Libya. These Russian actions reflect a growing bilateral relationship driven by several motivating factors.
Key Aspects
Several prominent features characterize the recent rapprochement between Russia and Equatorial Guinea, primarily including:
Strengthening Political and Diplomatic Ties: This was exemplified by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s decision in August 2024 to resume the operations of Russian embassies in Equatorial Guinea and Burkina Faso. Notably, President Vladimir Putin announced the resumption of activities for these embassies during the second session of the Russia–Africa Summit in Saint Petersburg in July 2023. In addition, harmony on shared issues has been enhanced through bilateral meetings, such as one in November 2023, where both nations reaffirmed the importance of enhancing cooperation, particularly in economic ties through increased Russian investments in mineral resources in Equatorial Guinea.
Deepening Military and Security Links: As part of this aspect, Russia has been sending soldiers to Equatorial Guinea since August 2024, culminating in about 200 soldiers by November of the same year. This initiative aims to train the elite guard of the ruling administration in the capital, Malabo, and Bata, the second-largest city. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-bek Yevkurov reached an agreement with Equatorial Guinea officials to deploy a limited force in June 2024, after which Equatorial Guinea established a new rapid reaction brigade with Russian assistance during 2024. This included armored vehicles such as infantry fighting vehicles and self-propelled artillery. It should be noted that the Russian forces in Equatorial Guinea are part of the “African Legion,” which replaced the Wagner Group at the beginning of 2024. Furthermore, Russia signed military cooperation agreements with Equatorial Guinea, alongside Angola, Nigeria, Sudan, Mali, and Burkina Faso in 2017 and 2018, including the export of fighter jets and military equipment.
Supporting Economic Cooperation: This is evident in discussions between both sides regarding the conditions for Russian companies to enter the oil and gas sector in Equatorial Guinea in September 2024. President Mbasogo emphasized Equatorial Guinea’s openness to strategic alliances with Russia in the energy sector, inviting Russian companies to explore oil and gas in the country. This was stated during the Russian Energy Week in Moscow in September 2024. Previously, Gazprom had signed an agreement with Equatorial Guinea’s oil company for exploration in 2011.
Coordinating on International Issues of Mutual Interest: President Mbasogo sought Russian support for Equatorial Guinea’s bid to join the BRICS group during a meeting in September 2024. This request is significant amid the group’s recent expansion during its August 2023 summit in Johannesburg. Moreover, Russia anticipates leveraging Equatorial Guinea’s support for various issues, especially concerning the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which started in February 2022. President Mbasogo’s attendance at the first two Russia–Africa Summits in 2019 and 2023 underscored his country’s willingness to host the third edition in September 2024.
Motivating Factors
Several underlying motivations have contributed to the growing rapprochement between Russia and Equatorial Guinea lately:
Supporting the Stability of the Equatorial Guinean Regime: This is a principal driver for their cooperation, particularly in security and military matters. The deployment of around 200 Russian soldiers to train President Mbasogo’s presidential guard in November 2024 is a clear reflection of this commitment. This regime has been in power since 1979, one of the longest tenures of any African leader since independence in the early 1960s. Such Russian support is crucial for maintaining the stability of the Guinean leadership, especially as Mbasogo prepares his son for succession amid past coup attempts, the most notable being in 2004.
Russia’s Interest in Equatorial Guinea’s Natural Resources: Particularly its oil sector, which produced an average of 119,000 barrels per day in 2022, accounting for approximately 1.7% of Africa’s and 0.1% of global production. The country has an estimated 1.1 billion barrels in reserves, ranking 37th in the world and 9th in Africa, and possesses significant natural gas reserves as well.
Competing with U.S. Influence in Equatorial Guinea: The U.S. has emphasized the importance of its strategic ties with Equatorial Guinea, particularly in fostering democratic governance and human rights, outlined in statements from the U.S. State Department in October 2023. Washington has urged Equatorial Guinea to refrain from engaging with the Russian military or its proxies due to potential legal consequences.
Russia’s Utilization of Africa to Mitigate the Impact of the Ukraine War: Russia aims to leverage African nations to break the international isolation it faces due to Western sanctions. This strategy involves enhancing diplomatic ties and building strategic alliances throughout the continent, evidenced by the hosting of two Russia–Africa Summits since 2019.
Expanding Russian Influence in Central and West Africa: This trend aligns with the decline of Western, particularly French, influence in these regions. Russia has sought to build relationships with transitional military governments, as seen in its growing ties to Burkina Faso’s military regime and efforts to cultivate connections in Guinea and Chad, aiming to counterbalance Western involvement in these nations.
In conclusion, interactions between Russia and Equatorial Guinea have notably intensified across various political, economic, military, and security dimensions. This evolution is closely tied to Russia’s objectives in bolstering its strategic presence in Africa while providing participating nations with appealing alternatives to Western powers, which they may perceive as ineffective. Looking ahead, the trajectory of interaction between Russia and Equatorial Guinea is likely to continue on an upward trend, aligning with Russia’s approach to attract more African nations through enhanced security and economic collaboration.
