Baltasar Ebang Engonga Scandal: Leaked Videos Spark National Crisis in Equatorial Guinea

A significant scandal has engulfed Equatorial Guinea following the public leak of over 400 explicit videos involving Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the head of the National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF). The videos, which were discovered during a corruption investigation targeting Engonga for financial misconduct, depict him in intimate encounters with multiple women. These women include spouses of high-profile officials, such as the wife of the Presidential security head and his own brother’s spouse.

The leak of these videos has sent shockwaves through the nation, severely damaging Engonga’s reputation and raising profound concerns about the conduct and integrity of top officials in Equatorial Guinea. The videos were reportedly captured in various locations, including his office, hotels, and public spaces.

In response to the scandal, Vice-President Teodoro Obiang Mangue has warned that civil servants caught engaging in sexual activities within their workplaces will face harsh repercussions, including suspension. He has also mandated the installation of surveillance cameras in government buildings and courts to deter “indecent and unlawful behavior”.

The incident has prompted significant disruptions in internet traffic in Equatorial Guinea, with telecommunications companies instructed to limit the dissemination of the videos. The chief prosecutor, Anatolio Nzang Nguema, has indicated that Engonga could face prosecution if found to have knowingly spread a sexually transmitted disease through these encounters.

The scandal has captured international attention, highlighting the complex layers of political and personal scandals that impact public trust and government transparency in Equatorial Guinea. Engonga, who is related to the nation’s president, has expressed sorrow on his social media, emphasizing the importance of family.