In September, President Obiang thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for sending instructors to strengthen Equatorial Guinea's defence, according to state news agency TASS.

Russia has deployed up to 200 military instructors to Equatorial Guinea in recent weeks to protect the presidency, sources told Reuters, showing Moscow is expanding its footprint in West Africa despite a recent defeat in Mali.

Russia has deployed 200 military instructors to Equatorial Guinea to protect the presidency, marking an expansion of its footprint in West Africa. This move reflects Russia's strategy to bolster its geopolitical influence and undermine Western power,

Russia has deployed around 200 military instructors to Equatorial Guinea in recent weeks to protect the presidency. ・Russia has deployed around 200 military instructors to Equatorial Guinea to protect the presidency.