Victoria Mgbanwa
In response to a major scandal, the government of Equatorial Guinea has announced plans to install surveillance cameras in all state offices. This initiative, led by Vice President Teddy Nguema, is intended to reinforce accountability among public officials and eliminate misconduct in public service.
The decision comes in the wake of a shocking revelation involving Baltasar Engonga, the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency. Engonga, a high-ranking official, was arrested following a fraud investigation that uncovered over 400 sex tapes of prominent women in Equatorial Guinea, including wives of influential figures. The tapes were discovered during a raid on Engonga’s residence and office, where investigators found CDs documenting his encounters.
The Vice President announced the surveillance initiative on X (formerly Twitter), underscoring the administration’s commitment to transparency. “This measure is aimed at ensuring that public officials adhere strictly to the law, and at eradicating improper and illicit behaviors that tarnish the reputation of our administration,” the post read.
The government emphasized that any infractions recorded on camera would lead to serious consequences. “We will not admit any fault that denigrates the integrity of our administration, and those who engage in these practices will face drastic measures” the statement added.
This policy has sparked diverse reactions within the country. Some officials see it as a positive step toward reform, believing it will foster a culture of responsibility and professionalism in the public sector. However, human rights advocates have raised concerns about potential privacy issues, questioning the balance between accountability and personal rights.
The surveillance policy has yet to be fully outlined, with details about the scope and timeline still pending. However, the administration reassured the public that the initiative aligns with Equatorial Guinea’s legal framework and is a step toward strengthening governance and protecting public resources.
Earlier, Vice President Nguema issued a separate statement targeting specific inappropriate conduct in government offices. He announced that officials engaging in sexual activities within ministry offices would face immediate suspension, calling it a clear violation of the Code of Conduct and Public Ethics Law.
He said, “Today we will proceed with the immediate suspension of all officials who have had sexual relations in the offices of the country’s ministries.
“The government will take severe measures against these acts since they constitute a flagrant violation of the Code of Conduct and the Public Ethics Law.
“This action is a decisive step in our policy of zero tolerance towards behaviours that undermine the integrity of the public service.
“Ethics and respect are fundamental in our administration, and we will not allow irresponsible behaviour to compromise public trust.
“Responsibility and professionalism must be the pillars of our work as servants of the state.”