Equatorial Guinea Dismisses ANIF Director, Baltasar Following Scandalous Video Leak Involving High-Profile Women

The government of Equatorial Guinea has dismissed Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), following the emergence of explicit videos that were leaked online.

The dismissal was ordered by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo after footage surfaced showing Engonga engaged in intimate acts with high-profile women.

Real Equatorial Guinea reports that the scandal led to public outcry, prompting the government to take action.

The dismissal was formalized through Decree No. 118/2024, issued on November 4, which cited Engonga’s alleged misconduct and personal behavior as incompatible with his official duties and public image.

The scandal gained widespread attention after nearly 400 videos were leaked on social media, showing Engonga with several prominent women, including his cousins. The controversy has drawn strong reactions, with calls for accountability growing louder.

Among those vocal in condemning Engonga’s actions was the First Lady of Equatorial Guinea, Constancia Mangue Obiang, who expressed her outrage during a meeting with Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue.

She urged the government to take swift and decisive measures to protect the dignity of Equatoguinean women, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding their privacy in the digital age.

In a statement shared via Facebook, the First Lady’s Press Office highlighted the government’s commitment to advancing gender equality. The office stressed that while progress has been made, further steps must be taken to prevent such incidents from recurring and to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all women in the country.