Equatorial Guinea’s government has removed Baltasar Ebang Engonga from his position as Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) following the circulation of explicit videos involving him and several women.
The videos, which have gone viral online, show Engonga in intimate situations with multiple women, some of whom are reportedly connected to high-ranking officials in the country. Earlier, the government had suspended him after over 400 alleged sex tapes were leaked. According to reports, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo issued the order for Engonga’s dismissal, citing his alleged misconduct and behavior that was deemed incompatible with his public office duties. Engonga is the son of Baltasar Engonga Edjo, the current president of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC).
In a formal decree dated November 4, 2024, the government explained that Engonga’s actions, including the scandal, led to his removal. State media reported that the sex tapes were leaked while Engonga was in custody at Malabo’s notorious Black Beach prison, where he was detained in connection with allegations of embezzling public funds.
In response to the widespread circulation of the videos, Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue has directed the country’s telecommunications ministry and regulators to take action against the distribution of such content. He stressed that the government must prevent further harm to families caused by the viral spread of these explicit materials.
Additionally, Equatorial Guinea’s chief prosecutor, Anatolio Nzang Nguema, warned that if medical tests confirm Engonga had contracted a sexually transmitted disease, he would face legal consequences for potentially endangering public health.
