The government of Equatorial Guinea has removed Baltasar Ebang Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), after a scandal involving hundreds of explicit videos. Engonga’s dismissal, ordered by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, follows the discovery of around 400 tapes showing his encounters with high-profile women, including relatives, a revelation that has sparked widespread controversy.

According to Real Equatorial Guinea, the decision was formalized under Decree No. 118/2024, dated November 4, citing misconduct in office as well as family and social behaviors deemed incompatible with his public role. The scandal gained traction on social media after the videos were leaked online, stirring debates across the nation.

Among those condemning Engonga’s actions is the First Lady, Constancia Mangue Obiang. During a recent meeting with Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue, Mrs. Obiang expressed her dismay over the scandal, urging swift government action to safeguard the dignity and privacy of Equatoguinean women in the digital age.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the First Lady’s Press Office highlighted Equatorial Guinea’s ongoing efforts toward gender equality and emphasized the need for preventative measures to foster a respectful environment. This response underscores the government’s commitment to protecting women’s rights and ensuring public officials uphold ethical standards.