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.

The deployment fits into a wider pattern of waning Western influence in the region while offering Moscow funding opportunities.

Russia has reportedly sent up to 200 troops to Equatorial Guinea to protect the presidency, as it continues to expand its presence in Africa. Media reports say that the Russians are training elite guards in the country’s two main cities – the capital Malabo and Bata.

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.

Russia has likely sent around 200 military instructors to Equatorial Guinea to assist in protecting President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, according to Reuters. Sources report that Russian instructors sent to Equatorial Guinea in recent weeks will be training elite guards for the President.