Equatorial Guinea’s government has taken swift action following the emergence of explicit videos involving a prominent politician, Baltasar Ebang Engonga, and several women. Engonga, who previously headed the country’s anti-corruption body, the National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF), has been suspended from his position amid a growing sex scandal. The videos, allegedly numbering over 400, surfaced online, causing public outrage. Engonga, the son of Baltasar Engonga Edjoo, the current president of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC), has been accused of engaging in illicit activities that violate the country’s laws and ethics codes.
In a statement issued on Monday, Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President, Teddy Nguema, confirmed the suspension of Engonga and other individuals implicated in the scandal, including staff members of the anti-graft agency. The vice president also expressed the government’s intention to hold all parties accountable for their actions. “The government will soon install surveillance cameras in all state agency offices,” Nguema announced on his X (formerly Twitter) page, adding that the measure was part of efforts to ensure compliance with civil service laws and prevent similar misconduct in the future.
Nguema condemned the actions of those involved, emphasizing that the government is committed to upholding high standards of conduct within the civil service. “We will not tolerate any actions that tarnish the integrity of our administration,” he declared. “Individuals involved in such practices will face strict measures.” He also reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption and unethical behavior in the public sector, stressing that public trust and integrity must remain at the core of governmental operations.
The vice president further detailed a new policy aimed at eradicating inappropriate behavior within the public service. “It is forbidden to have sexual relations in offices,” Nguema said. “Any officer caught engaging in such behavior will be terminated.” The new regulation forms part of a broader initiative to enforce professional standards and ensure that state ministries focus solely on advancing the country’s development.
In addition to the immediate suspension of officials implicated in the scandal, Vice President Nguema called for an investigation into the incident during a meeting at the People’s Palace in Malabo. The meeting, held on Monday, was attended by several high-ranking government officials, including the President of the Supreme Court of Justice, Evuy Nguema Mikue, and Attorney General Anatolio Nzang Nguema. Nguema emphasized that the investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the wrongdoing and hold offenders accountable, highlighting the government’s commitment to preserving the dignity and reputation of Equatorial Guinea.
“Today, we will proceed with the immediate suspension of all officials who have had sexual relations in the offices of the country’s ministries,” Nguema stated during the meeting. “This action is a decisive step in our zero-tolerance policy towards behaviors that undermine public service integrity.” The vice president stressed that the government will take severe measures to address these acts, viewing them as a serious violation of the country’s Code of Conduct and Public Ethics Law.
As part of the government’s efforts to reinforce accountability and prevent further misconduct, Nguema announced the installation of surveillance cameras in all state agency offices. This decision is seen as a proactive step to improve oversight and ensure that officials adhere to the rules and regulations governing public service. “This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enforce public service laws and curb official misconduct,” Nguema said. He emphasized that the installation of CCTVs would strengthen law enforcement and demonstrate the administration’s commitment to transparency and governance reform.
In conclusion, the government of Equatorial Guinea has made it clear that it will not tolerate behavior that compromises the integrity of its public institutions. The recent scandal involving Baltasar Ebang Engonga has prompted sweeping changes aimed at enforcing ethical standards within the civil service.
