Equatorial Guinea Government Cracks Down Amid Unprecedented Scandal Involving High-Ranking Official’s Sextapes
Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President, Nguema Mangue, has issued a stern warning over behaviors within the government that violate the nation’s Code of Conduct and Public Ethics Law. In a recent post on X, Mangue emphasized that “ethics and respect are fundamental in our Administration,” highlighting the government’s commitment to restoring public trust and holding officials accountable.
This statement comes on the heels of a major scandal involving Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the now-imprisoned Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF). Engonga, commonly known as “Bello,” faces allegations of filming over 400 sexual encounters with multiple women, including the wives of notable figures in Equatorial Guinea. The scandal has sent shockwaves through the nation, becoming one of the largest of its kind in Equatorial Guinea’s history.
Local reports from Ahora EG reveal that the tapes were uncovered during a fraud investigation, which led to a search of Engonga’s home and office. Investigators discovered CDs allegedly containing footage of encounters with high-profile individuals, including the wife of the country’s police chief, the sister of the President, and even close family members. Some scenes reportedly took place in Engonga’s government office, sparking outrage and calls for an overhaul of ethical standards within the administration.
The Attorney General, Nzang Nguema, addressed the scandal, stating that while the videos suggest consensual encounters, the incident raises concerns about public health and the risks of disease transmission. Nguema emphasized the need for victims to feel safe reporting instances of abuse, while affirming the government’s commitment to upholding the law.
In response, the government has enacted swift measures, suspending all officials found to have engaged in inappropriate activities within ministry offices. This “zero tolerance” policy reflects Equatorial Guinea’s dedication to protecting the integrity of its public service and setting a precedent for future conduct.
As the scandal unfolds, the Vice President hopes these actions will rebuild trust within both public and private sectors in Equatorial Guinea, reinforcing a culture of respect and accountability among officials.