BALTASAR Ebang Engonga, the Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), has become the focus of a major scandal, entangling allegations of corruption and a high-profile sex scandal that has captured nationwide attention.
The scandal erupted after security authorities, investigating Engonga for alleged financial fraud, uncovered over 300 explicit tapes involving the financial chief. Shockingly, the tapes reportedly include intimate encounters with his brother’s wife, a cousin, and even a sister of Equatorial Guinea’s President, underscoring the potential fallout at the highest levels of the country’s elite. Engonga’s alleged misconduct, recorded in his office, hotels, and even public restrooms, was carried out with the consent of the participants, according to sources familiar with the case.
The tapes were uncovered during a corruption probe into Engonga’s activities as ANIF chief, a position he used to oversee the investigation of financial crimes. Authorities initially detained him on allegations of corruption. However, when examining his computer as part of the probe, investigators discovered the recordings, which have since circulated widely online, intensifying the scandal.
Social media influencer and critic Martins Ortse, known as VeryDarkMan, helped bring the scandal to light by sharing snippets of the recordings on his Instagram page. His posts have garnered widespread attention, intensifying public debate over the responsibilities and conduct of government officials. Ortse’s revelations have also drawn strong reactions from the public, with many calling for stricter accountability measures for high-ranking officials in Equatorial Guinea.
In the wake of the scandal, there has been a nationwide call for reform in government oversight, as residents react with anger and disappointment over the revelations. This incident is being viewed as a significant test for the country’s commitment to accountability, particularly in light of past corruption cases involving prominent officials.
In Equatorial Guinea, where corruption has long plagued the government, this scandal is significant. Many citizens are expressing outrage over what they perceive as yet another instance of abuse of power, amplified by the high-profile nature of those involved. Civil society organisations have also weighed in, pushing for a more transparent investigation to hold Engonga and any complicit parties accountable.
For Equatorial Guinea, Engonga’s case has cast a spotlight on the conduct of top officials and brought about renewed scrutiny on the country’s financial governance. It is likely to have lasting implications for the nation, especially as public pressure mounts for government transparency and ethical reform.
