Equatorial Guinea President Sacks ANIF Director For ‘Chopping’ And Recording Over 400 Women
President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea has removed Baltasar Engonga, former Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), following revelations of a sex scandal implicating multiple prominent figures. Engonga’s dismissal was formalized through Decree 118/2024, which cited “irregularities committed in the exercise of his functions” and “inappropriate family and social conduct.”
The scandal emerged when authorities, conducting a fraud investigation, discovered over 400 explicit videos on Engonga’s office computer. These recordings allegedly show Engonga in intimate encounters with married women, including the wife of the Inspector General of Police, the President’s sister, and spouses of around 20 government ministers. The revelations have sent shockwaves through the country’s political elite, leaving influential families and officials in turmoil.
Vice President Teodoro Nguema quickly condemned Engonga’s actions, highlighting that “sexual relations in offices are prohibited.” In response, the Attorney General’s Office has initiated an inquiry into Engonga’s behavior, with potential charges related to public health violations.
In the wake of the scandal, the Senate has enacted new regulations governing the conduct and social media activity of public officials. To prevent similar occurrences, surveillance cameras have been installed in government offices, and officials implicated in the scandal have been suspended.
Leadership Change and Public Reaction
Zenón Obiang Obiang Avomo has assumed the role of Director General of ANIF, succeeding Engonga. This appointment is seen as a step toward restoring trust and integrity within the agency.
The scandal has provoked widespread public outcry, with many citizens demanding stricter accountability measures for public officials.