Equatorial Guinea’s President, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has dismissed Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), following the release of about 400 amature videos showing Engonga engaging in sexual relations with multiple women. This high-profile incident has created a storm on social media, with reports suggesting that some women involved in the videos are partners of influential figures in the country.
The scandal, which has quickly gained international attention, led to swift action from President Obiang, who authorized Engonga’s dismissal via Decree No. 118. The decree was signed after the videos went viral, raising concerns over conduct and ethics among high-ranking officials in Equatorial Guinea.
Engonga, a prominent figure in the country, is the son of Baltasar Engonga Edjo, the current president of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). As of now, Engonga has not publicly commented on the allegations, and attempts by international media outlets, including the BBC, to reach him have been unsuccessful.
Calls for Accountability in Public Office
Vice President Teodoro Mangue has promised severe consequences for government officials who engage in inappropriate behavior within government offices. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Mangue condemned the actions of civil servants involved in the viral footage and pledged “immediate suspension” of officials who use their office spaces for personal encounters. Mangue emphasized the importance of maintaining ethical standards and upholding public office decorum.
“These acts constitute a violation of the code of conduct and the public ethics law,” Mangue stated on social media. He also directed regulatory authorities and internet service providers to curb the distribution of the explicit videos across the nation.
This incident is especially sensitive given Engonga’s role as head of ANIF, an agency responsible for tackling financial misconduct. Just prior to the video’s release, Engonga was reportedly facing unrelated charges of corruption, further casting a shadow over the agency’s reputation.
Equatorial Guinea’s attorney general noted that, while the recordings appear to be consensual, authorities could pursue further action if Engonga is found to have contracted or spread a sexually transmitted infection (STI), which could potentially qualify as a “public health crime.” The nation’s First Lady, Constancia Mangue Obiang, also expressed her dismay over the scandal, describing it as a social disgrace that has “crossed our borders” and stained the image of Guinean women internationally.
During a meeting with Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue, the First Lady voiced her disappointment and frustration, stating, “This is an embarrassing scandal that has compromised the reputation of our nation.” Her public reaction underscores the broader cultural and societal impact of the incident, especially as Equatorial Guinea continues to work toward improving its international standing.
The Profile of Baltasar Engonga
Engonga’s dismissal marks a significant fall from grace for a high-ranking official who has been a prominent figure in Equatorial Guinea’s political landscape. Engonga, 54, is married and has six children. His career in government began in 1998, when he was appointed as Minister of Education, and he later rose to lead the country’s National Financial Investigation Agency.
Despite his lengthy service, the fallout from this scandal could impact Engonga’s future in public service. The incident has also drawn attention to his familial ties, given that his father, Baltasar Engonga Edjo, is a prominent political figure as president of CEMAC, an organization representing six central African nations.
The scandal has sparked reactions across the region, raising discussions around the conduct of officials and the need for ethical governance. This controversy has not only dominated national headlines but has also brought increased scrutiny from international observers. Equatorial Guinea, an oil-rich nation in Central Africa, has faced criticism over its human rights record and political climate, and this incident is expected to add to the pressures on its leadership.
As Equatorial Guinea’s government moves to contain the damage, President Obiang’s decree serves as a signal of the administration’s commitment to enforcing ethical standards among its ranks. However, it also raises questions about how the country’s leaders will continue to address the balance between privacy, ethics, and public responsibility in a digital age where information and scandals spread rapidly.
