Russian troops deployed in Equatorial Guinea took part in public commemorations on Friday in the capital, Malabo, to mark the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Their participation highlighted a growing military presence in the Central African country, following a 2023 agreement that allowed the deployment of Russian “instructors” for training local forces. However, despite their arrival in August 2024, no formal training sessions have yet taken place, military sources revealed.
During Friday’s ceremony, held along the Malabo seafront and attended by top officials, the Russian contingent staged live demonstrations using blank ammunition and displayed military hardware. According to Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the event also included a joint tribute by Russian and Equatorial Guinean soldiers to honour those who perished in World War II, with floral wreaths laid in remembrance.
“We are very pleased with the excellent services provided by the Russian military personnel in our country,” said Deputy Defence Minister Candido Nkogo Engono, who also honoured senior Equatoguinean officers who had received training in Russia.
President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled Equatorial Guinea for over four decades, was among a select group of leaders invited to attend a military parade in Moscow by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Despite the growing Russian footprint, with an estimated 300 foreign personnel reportedly importing military gear and vehicles, Vice President Nguema Obiang Mangue denied in late April that Russian mercenaries were operating in the country or that any Equatoguinean troops had been sent to fight in Ukraine.
