The scandal involving former head of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), Baltasar Ebang Engonga, has rocked the nation after explicit videos featuring the official were leaked online. Engonga, who was recently under investigation for fraud, faces mounting public backlash following the release of around 400 sex tapes, some of which reportedly show him engaging in intimate acts with several high-profile women, including government officials’ wives and relatives.
The controversy began when a fraud investigation triggered a series of searches at Engonga’s home and office. During these raids, investigators uncovered a shocking collection of explicit videos allegedly filmed over several years. The videos, according to sources, depict Engonga in intimate settings with various women, among them the wife of his brother, his cousin, the sister of the president, the spouse of the police chief, and more than 20 wives of government ministers.
The footage, which reportedly includes recordings made in a variety of locations including Engonga’s office, hotels, and even bathrooms, has sparked intense public outrage. While the women involved are said to have consented to the filming, their consent does not appear to extend to the public release of the materials, which has caused deep personal distress to many of the individuals involved.
Among the women who has come forward in the wake of the scandal is Cristel Nchama. Nchama, a former partner of Engonga, filed an official complaint with the National Gendarmerie in Malabo, accusing him of betrayal and exploitation. According to Nchama, she had been in a four-year relationship with Engonga and was “humiliated” when she saw the videos of herself leaked online.
“I am humiliated. It is my reputation, my honour,” Nchama told local media. “I want to know where these images came from and why he kept the images.” Nchama expressed her outrage at Engonga’s actions, claiming that she had initially refused to be filmed and had trusted him when he assured her the footage would be deleted.
Despite her reservations, Nchama alleges that Engonga convinced her to participate, and she now demands compensation for the damage to her reputation. “I feel deceived,” she said. “I thought these recordings would never see the light of day.”
The public response to the scandal has been swift and severe. As the controversy continues to unfold, Engonga was dismissed from his position as head of ANIF on Thursday. The government, in an effort to address the growing public outcry, has also suspended all officials linked to the sexual activities captured in the videos. This action is part of a broader push to crack down on misconduct among high-ranking public servants.
Equatorial Guinea’s government, which has faced criticism for its handling of corruption and political scandals, is now under intense pressure to ensure accountability. The scandal has raised questions about the extent of the former official’s abuse of power and whether others within the government were complicit in his actions.
The incident has also highlighted concerns over the rights and privacy of women in positions of power and influence in the country. Many activists have rallied behind the women involved, calling for stronger protections against exploitation and abuse, particularly in the context of powerful figures like Engonga, who wield significant authority.
Public figures have expressed shock and disgust at the contents of the videos, with many pointing to the broader issue of sexual misconduct among the elite in Equatorial Guinea. Some have called for an independent investigation into how the videos were recorded and leaked, demanding justice for those whose personal lives have been violated.
The scandal has also prompted discussions about the prevalence of surveillance and the potential dangers of power imbalances in relationships between high-ranking officials and those under their influence. Experts argue that this case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting individual privacy, even for those in positions of authority.
