The Equatorial Guinean government has dismissed Baltasar Ebang Engonga as Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) after the release of multiple sex tapes involving him with about four hundred women.
In a formal decree, Decree No. 118/2024 issued on November 4, authorities cited Engonga’s alleged misconduct and inappropriate behavior as reasons for his removal, stating such actions were incompatible with his public office.
Engonga is the son of Baltasar Engonga Edjo, the president of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC).
First Lady Mrs. Obiang responded to the scandal by urging immediate action to protect the dignity of Equatoguinean women on social media.
She pointed out the need for proactive measures, saying, “Creating a safe and respectful environment for all women is paramount.”
Prime Minister Osa Nsue also addressed the scandal’s impact, acknowledging its negative effects on the nation’s reputation and gender equality initiatives.
He called for stronger privacy laws, stating, “The government recognizes the consequences of social media and the proliferation of private content, and we are considering enhancing laws related to privacy and personal data protection.”
The Prime Minister emphasized a comprehensive approach, suggesting that legislation, education, and public awareness are essential to curb the spread of inappropriate content online.
In response, Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue directed the telecommunications ministry and mobile providers to restrict the sharing of explicit videos.
Consequently, the government has limited multimedia file-sharing on apps like WhatsApp, leading to public frustration over these restrictions.
Reports indicate that the tapes were leaked while Engonga was detained at Malabo’s Black Beach prison for embezzlement charges.
Chief Prosecutor Anatolio Nzang Nguema warned that if medical tests revealed Engonga carried a sexually transmitted disease, further legal action would ensue for endangering public health.
Vice President Nguema has also introduced heightened workplace policies to prevent misconduct.
Surveillance cameras are to be installed in all state agency offices, and a strict ban on sexual relations in workplaces has been enacted, with immediate dismissal for violations.
“Ministries are exclusively for administrative functions aimed at national development. Sexual relations in offices are strictly prohibited,” Nguema declared, underscoring the government’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct.
