- Equatorial Guinea has been in the spotlight following a scandal involving Baltasar Engonga, the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF).
- Engonga became the center of controversy after several videos surfaced online, showing him in compromising situations with numerous women.
- The women in the videos allegedly include high-profile figures, such as wives of government ministers, his sister-in-law, and other prominent individuals.
- The scandal has triggered public outcry, exposing private aspects of both political and social circles in Equatorial Guinea.
Equatorial Guinea has recently been buzzing online thanks to one man: Engonga.
Known officially as the head of ANIF (the National Agency for Financial Investigation) and unofficially as the star of a jaw-dropping scandal, Engonga’s story seems like something straight out of a soap opera.
Under investigation for alleged corruption, the plot took an unexpected twist when authorities, looking into his financial dealings, stumbled upon a vast collection of… let’s say, “private moments.”
These videos, allegedly featuring Engonga and a cast of over 400 women, include everyone from ministers’ wives to his brother’s wife.
The footage spans a variety of locations: from the boardroom to the broom closet, and even public restrooms.
Talk about multitasking! The videos first surfaced online, igniting social media with a frenzy, and, as you might guess, it wasn’t just the nation that was shocked the internet in Equatorial Guinea almost couldn’t handle the influx of traffic.
Adding a bit more drama to this saga, it’s reported that Engonga’s family ties reach right into the top echelons of power; his father, Baltasar Engonga Edjo, holds a significant role within the Central African Economic and Monetary Community.
Not to mention, Engonga has been a close confidant of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. But even this powerful network may not be able to save him from the consequences of his actions.
The reaction? Outrage, embarrassment, and a few chuckles (probably in private).
The Vice-President, Teodoro Obiang Mangue, has clamped down hard, ordering the installation of surveillance cameras in government offices (perhaps a little late for that, but hey), and announcing strict measures against civil servants involved in similar escapades.
Since this scandal broke, Equatorial Guinea has seen such a spike in online activity that the government reportedly had to throttle internet speeds to handle the strain.
As for Engonga, he’s currently residing in Malabo’s infamous Black Beach prison, facing possible charges not only for embezzlement but also for allegedly “endangering public health.” Because when you’re the star of a scandal this big, why not go all in?
El Gobierno implementará en breve la instalación de cámaras de vigilancia en todas las oficinas de los órganos del Estado. Hemos tomado esta disposición para garantizar el cumplimiento de la ley de funcionarios y erradicar comportamientos indecorosos e ilícitos. No admitiremos… pic.twitter.com/RsKtR3ngB7
— teddy nguema (@teonguema) November 5, 2024
Engonga’s reaction to explicit videos
Engonga, who goes by the nickname “Bello” (meaning “beautiful” in Spanish), has chosen to stay silent amidst the storm of allegations.
In a rare online appearance, he shared his emotions with a simple yet poignant post.
Looking somber, he posted a photo of himself with a woman and children, captioning it, “Family is everything.”
The fallout from this scandal has struck hard, not only threatening Engonga’s career and reputation but also deeply impacting the lives of his wife and six children.