Possible Deployment of Russian Mercenaries in Equatorial Guinea
Russia may have deployed mercenaries from the African Corps to Equatorial Guinea, with reports of their presence in Bata. This potential escalation follows discussions between Russian officials and Equatorial Guinea’s leaders. Belarus also maintains interests there through GardService, while associated activities in Africa reveal a network of military engagements linked to notorious figures such as Viktor Bout.
Recent reports suggest that Russia has potentially deployed mercenaries from the so-called African Corps to Equatorial Guinea. Notably, a video published by DiarioRombe on their X account captures movements of these mercenaries in the city of Bata, indicating a potential escalation in their operations. The individuals in the video are observed wearing MultiCam camouflage, a design widely used globally, which complicates any definitive identification as Russian operatives. In June, discussions between the Russian diplomatic mission, including Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-bek Yevkurov and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and Equatorial Guinea’s leadership occurred, further raising the stakes of Russian involvement in the region. Sources indicate that Yevkurov oversees Russia’s principal African military ventures, encompassing nations such as Libya, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Despite these revelations, no authoritative media outlets connected with Russian private military companies (PMCs) have reported on the actual deployment of their forces within Equatorial Guinea. Additionally, it is pertinent to note that Belarus also holds interests in the country, with a small contingent of mercenaries from GardService said to be active there. Further context involves the activities of Russians in Africa, particularly highlighting the involvement of Viktor Granov, a businessman linked to the notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout. Granov was reportedly on board an IL-76 cargo plane that was downed in Sudan, with items indicating his identity discovered at the crash site. In a related development, news has surfaced regarding a fire that erupted at the base of the Russian mercenaries from the African Corps located in Krasnodar Krai, Russia, used for training operatives destined for conflict areas. Following July 2023, the facility has explicitly focused on training fighters affiliated with the African Corps.
The potential deployment of Russian mercenaries in Equatorial Guinea occurs amid a broader strategy of Russian involvement in African nations. The African Corps, a part of Russia’s military proxy strategy, has been active across the continent, often engaging in conflicts for political or economic leverage. The activities of Russia and its mercenaries raise concerns regarding geopolitical stability and the influence of private military companies in insecure regions. The recent diplomatic exchanges between Russia and Equatorial Guinea also suggest an increasing footprint of Russian military interests in Central Africa, reflecting the broader trend of competition for influence on the continent.
The possible recent deployment of Russian mercenaries in Equatorial Guinea signifies an extension of Russia’s military presence in Africa, aligning with ongoing geopolitical maneuvers on the continent. The involvement of both Russian and Belarusian forces underlines the complex landscape of military engagements and raises questions about external influences in the region. Continued monitoring of the situation is essential to fully understand the implications of these developments for Equatorial Guinea and broader African stability.
Original Source: mil.in.ua
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