Malabo, Equatorial Guinea — In a scandal that has rocked Equatorial Guinea and sparked continent-wide condemnation, Baltasar Ebang Engonga, Director-General of the National Financial Investigation Agency, has been detained amid allegations of recording hundreds of explicit videos with prominent women linked to high-profile figures, allegedly without their consent. The incident has ignited debates on abuse of power and highlighted the need for legal reforms to protect women from exploitation by influential individuals.
The allegations against Engonga include the clandestine recording of over 400 videos involving the wives and close female relatives of some of the nation’s most prominent figures. Sources indicate that these recordings were made in his official office, sparking both outrage and calls for accountability as details of the scandal surface. Some of these recordings reportedly made their way onto social media, intensifying public outcry.
Reaction has been swift, with activists, community leaders, and human rights groups labeling Engonga’s alleged actions as a “disgrace to Africa.” In a statement, Solomon Mba, a prominent social activist in neighboring Gabon, condemned the scandal, saying, “This act is a betrayal of trust, not only against the women involved but against all Africans who believe in dignity and integrity. Those in power are meant to protect their people, not exploit them.”
The scandal has sparked fresh calls for reforms aimed at protecting women from gender-based violence and the abuse of power by high-ranking officials. Women’s rights organizations, including the Equatorial Guinean Association for the Advancement of Women’s Rights, are demanding stricter laws and immediate steps to protect victims and hold offenders accountable.
“This incident should be a turning point,” said Nela Abaga, president of the association. “We need laws that not only protect women but also make it impossible for those in power to misuse their positions for personal gain. What happened here is an example of a deeper issue that must be addressed across our continent.”
Legal experts in Equatorial Guinea and beyond are now examining what this incident reveals about gaps in judicial accountability. For many, this case serves as a stark reminder of the power imbalance between officials and civilians, particularly women, who often find themselves vulnerable to coercion and exploitation. Advocacy groups are urging the government to enact more rigorous oversight of public officials and enforce stricter punishments for abuses.
Public outrage continues to build as the scandal unfolds. Many hope that Engonga’s case will drive meaningful changes, inspiring legislative reforms and reinforcing a culture of accountability. For Africa’s advocates of social justice and equality, this case is not only a story of personal betrayal but a call to action against the systemic abuses that allow such incidents to occur.
