Scandal shakes Equatorial Guinea as government sacks ANIF boss Engonga over leaked explicit videos
The government of Equatorial Guinea has sacked Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), following the public release of explicit videos showing Engonga engaged in intimate encounters with several high-profile women, including his cousins.
Real Equatorial Guinea reported that President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo ordered Engonga’s dismissal after the videos went viral, causing widespread outrage and calls for accountability. The footage, which emerged online in early November 2024, featured nearly 400 explicit tapes, leading to serious public backlash and an intense media storm.
A decree, No. 118/2024, issued on November 4, confirmed Engonga’s removal from office, citing “misconduct” and personal behavior deemed incompatible with his official role. The government did not shy away from expressing its disapproval of Engonga’s actions, describing them as detrimental to the reputation of the country.
One of the most vocal figures in the aftermath has been the First Lady of Equatorial Guinea, Constancia Mangue Obiang, who has strongly condemned Engonga’s actions. During a meeting with Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue, Mrs. Obiang called for immediate government measures to address the scandal.
“H.E. Mrs. Constancia Mangue of Obiang, in addition to showing her indignation for this event, has wanted to know the strategy that the Government proposes to mitigate this situation that does nothing but distort and denigrate the image and reputation of the Guineo-Ecuadorian woman, despite the efforts made on the issue of gender,” a statement from the First Lady’s Press Office said.
The scandal has ignited national and international discussions on the treatment of women in Equatorial Guinea, with many calling for stronger protections and a more rigorous stance against corruption and abuse of power.
