Equatorial Guinea’s Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue has announced the completion of training for a new Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR), comprising 684 personnel. The initiative aims to enhance military capabilities, including plans for more advanced equipment like long-range missiles, alongside acknowledgment of support from Chinese military instructors.
On October 19, Equatorial Guinea’s Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, who is also the expected successor to his father, declared that the newly formed Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR) has successfully completed its initial training. Nguema shared his announcement via a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “Equatorial Guinea now has a Rapid Intervention Brigade.” He went on to emphasize that 684 personnel have been trained in six different specialties under this elite force, which he initiated in 2019.
During a televised address at the closing ceremony, Nguema expressed a strong commitment to enhancing the BIR’s capabilities. He revealed plans to procure sophisticated military equipment, including long-range missiles, saying, “We are going to acquire more sophisticated materiel… We will also have long-range missiles, we are being serious.” The vice-president’s ambition is not only rooted in strengthening the brigade but also solidifying Equatorial Guinea’s military stature in the region.
Furthermore, Nguema acknowledged the contribution of the Chinese military instructors who have been instrumental in training the BIR. The ceremony showcased an array of newly acquired Chinese-made armoured vehicles specifically designated for the brigade. These include various models, such as the armoured personnel carrier, infantry fighting vehicle, and multiple versions of the WZ551 6×6 armoured vehicle, including self-propelled guns and mortar carriers.
The event was evidently significant, signaling a move towards modernization and increased military prowess for Equatorial Guinea as it seeks to bolster its defense capabilities amid regional security dynamics. The Vice-President’s remarks underscore a clear vision of achieving a robust military that aims to stand out in the region.
As Equatorial Guinea breathes new life into its military through the BIR, it will be watched closely by both local and international observers. The commitment to advanced weaponry and sophisticated training suggests a transformative phase for the nation’s defense strategy, aligning with broader ambitions for military superiority.
Although details remain sparse regarding the specific types of missiles to be acquired, the discourse reflects a bold approach toward strengthening national security. This trajectory, led by the Vice-President, hints at the growing emphasis on military readiness as a cornerstone of Equatorial Guinea’s future plans.
Equatorial Guinea’s announcement of the new Rapid Intervention Brigade and its completed training marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s military evolution. With Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue’s commitment to enhance the brigade’s capabilities through sophisticated armaments, including long-range missiles, the initiative showcases an ambition to solidify the nation’s defense posture in the region. The involvement of Chinese military instructors and the acquisition of advanced Chinese-made vehicles bolster these ambitions further, pointing toward an evolving military strategy.
Original Source: www.janes.com
