Equatorial Guinea Dismisses ANIF Director Amid Sex Tape Scandal
The government of Equatorial Guinea has officially dismissed Baltasar Ebang Engonga from his position as Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) following the emergence of multiple sex tapes involving him and various women.
In a formal statement, Equatorial Guinea announced that the dismissal was ratified in Decree No. 118/2024, issued on November 4. The decree cited Engonga’s alleged misconduct and inappropriate behavior as untenable for a public official, particularly given his familial connections.
He is the son of Baltasar Engonga Edjo, the current president of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC).
Responding to the scandal, First Lady Mrs. Obiang took to Facebook, urging immediate measures to uphold the dignity of Equatoguinean women in the digital landscape.
She emphasized that, despite advancements in gender equality, proactive strategies are essential to prevent similar incidents. “Creating a safe and respectful environment for all women is paramount,” she stated.
Prime Minister Osa Nsue also acknowledged the fallout from the scandal, highlighting its detrimental effect on the country’s reputation and ongoing gender equality initiatives.
He proposed the introduction of stricter privacy laws in response to the issue. “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,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that combines legislation, education, and public awareness to stem the dissemination of inappropriate online content.
Meanwhile, Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue has instructed the telecommunications ministry and mobile providers to act against the viral spread of the explicit videos.
To prevent further distribution, the government has imposed restrictions on sharing multimedia files through mobile data on platforms such as WhatsApp, leading to public frustration over these limitations.
It’s worth noting that the leak of the tapes reportedly occurred while Engonga was incarcerated at Malabo’s Black Beach prison for embezzling public funds. In light of the ongoing investigation, Chief Prosecutor Anatolio Nzang Nguema warned that if medical tests identified Engonga as having a sexually transmitted disease, legal action would follow for endangering public health.
In conjunction with these efforts, Vice President Nguema announced the installation of surveillance cameras in all state agency offices to enhance accountability and combat misconduct. “We will not tolerate actions that undermine the integrity of our administration,” he declared, reiterating the commitment to strict consequences for any misconduct.
Additionally, a workplace ban on sexual relations has been instituted, with immediate dismissal threatened for violations. “Ministries are exclusively for administrative functions aimed at national development. Sexual relations in offices are strictly prohibited,” Nguema stated.
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