MALABO, Equatorial Guinea – Baltasar Engonga, the Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, ANIF, has been arrested after authorities reportedly uncovered over 400 sex tapes involving Engonga and the wives of several prominent figures in the country.
The tapes were discovered during a fraud investigation, which led officials to search Engonga’s home and office.
Some of the recordings involve women closely connected to the nation’s elite, including relatives of high-ranking government officials.
The tapes, found on CDs in Engonga’s office, allegedly include encounters with women such as the sister of Equatorial Guinea’s President, the wife of the Director General of Police, and multiple ministers’ spouses.
The release of these videos has sparked a media uproar and widespread condemnation. Engonga, who is also known as “Bello,” reportedly filmed these interactions with the consent of the women involved, many of whom are influential individuals in Equatorial Guinea.
Public Outrage and Government Action
The scandal has drawn swift government action.
On Monday, November 4, 2024, Vice President Nguema Mangue announced the immediate suspension of all officials found to have engaged in sexual activities within government office spaces, citing the administration’s commitment to a “zero tolerance” policy for misconduct that undermines public service integrity.
“Ethics and respect are fundamental in our Administration,” Mangue stated on social media platform X, highlighting the need for a professional environment that upholds public trust.
According to local reports, including those by the outlet Ahora EG, the tapes not only feature intimate scenes with high-profile individuals but also include recordings taken in Engonga’s government office, some showing the national flag in the background.
The government has condemned the actions, describing them as a severe violation of the nation’s Code of Conduct and Public Ethics Law.
Legal and Health Concerns
Equatorial Guinea’s Attorney General, Nzang Nguema, addressed the legal implications, stating that while consensual sexual relations are not classified as a crime in the absence of coercion or violence, the scandal raises significant public health concerns.
“The risk is not only for the women involved but also for their partners and the wider community,” he said, referencing the potential spread of contagious diseases through unprotected sexual encounters.
Nguema encouraged any individuals affected by assault or coercion to come forward, stressing the importance of a supportive reporting environment.
In response to the scandal, the government has emphasised the importance of restoring trust in public institutions.
It has issued a directive reinforcing ethical conduct within the public service sector.
As the fallout from Engonga’s arrest continues, Equatorial Guinea’s leaders are faced with mounting pressure to address not only the immediate scandal but also systemic issues regarding public trust and integrity within government institutions.
