MALABO, Equatorial Guinea (MandyNews.com) — Equatorial Guinea’s Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), Baltasar Ebang Engonga, is under official investigation after more than 400 explicit videos, allegedly featuring him with various women, were leaked online. The footage, involving prominent officials’ wives, has sparked nationwide controversy and prompted a government-led inquiry, officials confirmed Tuesday.
Scandal Details and National Response
The videos, reportedly recorded by Engonga on his own phone, depict encounters with women connected to high-ranking government dignitaries, including the wife of Equatorial Guinea’s Head of Presidential Security. The scandal has gained traction on social media, with many citizens expressing shock over the extent of the involvement of public figures and their spouses.
“This situation is deeply troubling, especially with the high-profile individuals affected,” an anonymous source within the investigation told AP. “These videos go beyond personal privacy, touching on ethical boundaries that raise serious public concern.”
Engonga, who is the son of a prominent CEMAC director, has a reputation in the government, and the revelations have raised questions about conduct among the nation’s elite.
Attorney General Orders Health Testing
On Monday, Equatorial Guinea’s Attorney General ordered that Engonga undergo testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) following reports of unprotected encounters in the recordings. Authorities have stressed the importance of addressing potential health risks, given the involvement of multiple individuals.
“We have a responsibility to ensure public health safety when situations like this arise,” said a spokesperson from the Attorney General’s office. “Testing will be conducted as part of our ongoing efforts to address any health implications related to this case.”
Financial Misconduct Allegations Add Complexity
The scandal comes as Engonga faces separate accusations of embezzlement and financial misconduct within Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of Finance. Investigators reportedly flagged suspicious financial transactions linked to Engonga and several colleagues, revealing possible misuse of state funds. The public prosecutor’s preliminary report suggests that funds, allegedly diverted from state accounts over more than a decade, were used for personal luxury expenses, including high-end vehicles and real estate.
Several other Ministry of Finance officials, including Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, Rubén Félix Osá Nzang, and Rolando Asumu, have been detained for questioning. Only one official, Benita Ebang Nzang, has avoided detention, though she remains under close surveillance.
Social Media Outcry and Public Debate
The leaked videos have ignited a public outcry on social media across Equatorial Guinea and neighboring countries, with users reacting to the scale of the scandal and the involvement of officials’ families. Many commenters criticized the lack of accountability among government figures, calling for immediate action and heightened ethical standards for public servants.
“This is about more than personal indiscretions,” posted a social media activist. “This scandal exposes deeper issues of trust and transparency that affect all citizens.”
Public debate has intensified as users share opinions on the responsibilities of those in power, with calls for reform within Equatorial Guinea’s government institutions.
Official Response and Implications
A representative from Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of Finance expressed regret over the unfolding scandal, stating that the government is committed to transparency and upholding public trust. “This situation has brought to light serious ethical questions, and we are dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation,” the spokesperson said.
Political analysts suggest that the scandal could have long-lasting repercussions on Equatorial Guinea’s public administration, with potential for policy changes aimed at improving accountability within state institutions. “This case reveals gaps in oversight that must be addressed for the public to regain confidence in their leaders,” said María Obiang, a political analyst based in Malabo.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Authorities confirm that the investigation will cover both the financial misconduct and the personal aspects of the scandal. Engonga has not yet released a public statement in response to the allegations. Officials report that he remains under surveillance as the inquiry progresses.
With high public interest, the Attorney General’s office has assured citizens that updates will be provided as new information arises. This high-profile case has spotlighted the challenges facing Equatorial Guinea’s government, fueling calls for structural reforms within the nation’s public sector.
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Source: MandyNews.com