Equatorial Guinea's Baltasar Ebang Engonga, a high-ranking government official, has been fired following the leak of hundreds of explicit videos showing him with multiple women. The scandal erupted after the clips went viral on social media, sparking widespread discussion and controversy.
The videos, reportedly around 400 in total, capture Engonga, who is married and in his 50s, with various partners. Some of these women are allegedly the spouses of other prominent officials. The recordings are said to have taken place in his office at the finance ministry and other locations, although the exact dates of filming remain unknown. The massive leak has placed Engonga, known by the nickname "Bello" for his appearance, at the center of public and media attention, leading to his immediate removal from his position.
Engonga served as the director of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), a role that tasked him with investigating financial crimes such as money laundering. Ironically, he was recently arrested on October 25 on accusations of embezzling large sums of public funds, allegedly transferring this money to hidden accounts in the Cayman Islands. His arrest led to his detention in Malabo's notorious Black Beach prison, where he awaits further legal proceedings. The situation intensified after authorities seized his phones and computers, which reportedly contained the leaked footage that has now flooded social networks.
In response to the viral scandal, Equatorial Guinea's government has issued a strict warning to the telecommunications ministry, media regulators, and phone companies. Officials have demanded efforts to curb the distribution of the explicit videos, which have rapidly spread across multiple online platforms. The government seeks to prevent further circulation of this content, labeling the widespread sharing of these clips as a significant concern for public decency and privacy.
The controversy surrounding Engonga has fueled social media, with #BaltasarEbangEngonga becoming one of the top trending hashtags. Citizens and online observers have engaged in heated discussions, questioning the integrity of officials and the country's ability to uphold accountability in leadership.
Baltasar Ebang Engonga hails from a prominent family with close ties to the nation's leadership. He is the son of Baltasar Engonga Edjo, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Commission for the Central African Economic and Monetary Community. Additionally, he is related to Equatorial Guinea's long-serving president, a connection that has added further intrigue to the case, as public interest grows around the implications of the scandal within the political elite.
In a further twist, Equatorial Guinea's chief prosecutor, Anatolio Nzang Nguema, has stated that Engonga could face additional charges if medical examinations indicate he has contracted a sexually transmitted disease. Under Equatorial Guinea's legal framework, knowingly spreading an infection could be prosecuted as a violation of public health regulations, adding another layer of complexity to the case against Engonga.
This scandal not only spotlights issues of accountability among Equatorial Guinea's officials but also raises questions about privacy, media freedom, and public health in the nation. With the country's government pushing to restrict the video's circulation, the incident has underscored the challenges and sensitivities involved in balancing governance, justice, and the power of social media in the digital age.
The case continues to develop as authorities delve deeper into Engonga's financial and personal activities.
