Equatorial Guinea foils coup attempt with Russian help

Equatorial Guinea authorities say they foiled a coup attempt after receiving intelligence from Africa Corps, a force linked to the Russian Defense Ministry.

The government in Malabo reports that the operation began in late June 2026 but was only made public following a report from Russian intelligence. According to the French weekly Jeune Afrique, the intervention was triggered by the seizure of an arsenal hidden in a container at the port of Bata. Russian authorities reportedly alerted the government that a container of weapons from a European country had arrived and, based on intercepted telephone communications, informed officials that the shipment was intended for a coup.

The government accuses Filiberto Manale Andem, a military leader within the CORED group, of organizing the coup and arranging the weapons shipment. Local security forces have arrested several associates of Manale Andem and CORED leader Salomon Abeso Ndong. Since 2024, Russia has increased its security presence in the country, with between 100 and 300 Africa Corps personnel stationed primarily in Malabo and Bata to train and protect presidential forces. Moscow has also reportedly established a dedicated intelligence station in Equatorial Guinea.