Equatorial Guinea has dismissed Baltasar Ebang Engonga from his position as Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) following the emergence of explicit videos that have sparked significant controversy.
The decision, formalized through Decree No. 118/2024 on November 4, was signed by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and cited “irregularities committed in the exercise of his functions” and “inappropriate family and social conduct” as reasons for his removal.
Engonga’s dismissal comes in the wake of leaked videos that reportedly show him in intimate encounters with multiple women, including spouses of high-ranking officials in the country.
These videos surfaced online while Engonga was already under investigation for unrelated corruption charges, leading to his arrest and subsequent detention at Malabo’s notorious Black Beach prison. Reports indicate that over 400 explicit recordings were discovered during a search of his home and office, prompting widespread media attention and public outrage.
Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue responded to the scandal by pledging strict actions against government officials engaging in sexual activities within state offices. He emphasized the need for accountability and announced that any official found violating these standards would face immediate suspension. This commitment was shared via a post on social media, highlighting the government’s intention to uphold ethical conduct among public servants.
The fallout from the scandal has not only affected Engonga but has also drawn attention to broader issues of governance and ethics within Equatorial Guinea.
The First Lady, Constancia Mangue de Obiang, expressed her outrage over the incident, calling for immediate measures to protect the dignity of women in the digital age. She underscored the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for all women, emphasizing that proactive steps are needed to prevent such incidents in the future.
In light of the scandal, authorities have taken measures to curb the distribution of the explicit videos. Telecommunications providers have been instructed to limit access to inappropriate content, and regulations have been put in place to restrict multimedia sharing over mobile data platforms like WhatsApp. This has led to frustration among citizens who rely on these services for communication.
The attorney general of Equatorial Guinea has also stated that while the encounters depicted in the videos were consensual, Engonga could face prosecution for “public health offenses” if medical tests reveal any sexually transmitted infections.
The situation continues to evolve, with many watching closely to see how it will impact future governance and public trust in Equatorial Guinea’s institutions. As calls for reform grow louder, it remains to be seen whether this incident will lead to lasting changes in how public officials conduct themselves both in their personal lives and professional duties.
