Equatorial Guinea plans to install surveillance cameras in all government offices following the circulation of explicit videos involving a high-ranking official.
Vice President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mangue announced the measure, stating it aims to ensure public officials adhere to legal standards and to prevent further misconduct within state agencies.
“We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate indecorous and illicit behaviour. We will not tolerate it,” Mangue affirmed.
The decision follows a scandal earlier this week in which over 400 explicit videos featuring Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the director of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), went viral.
The videos, primarily recorded in Engonga’s office on his phone, allegedly included scenes with several women, some of whom were reportedly the wives of his colleagues.
Engonga was initially arrested on separate charges, but authorities reportedly discovered the videos during a search at his home.
The exact means by which the footage became public remains unclear, yet clips have since spread across social media platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
The surveillance initiative reinforces the government’s commitment to accountability and transparency.
Mangue emphasised that any official found engaging in inappropriate acts within government offices will face immediate suspension.
While government leaders view the measure as essential for fostering transparency, it has sparked mixed reactions among employees and human rights advocates.
Some support it as a step toward reform, while others raise concerns over potential privacy risks. Although the specifics of the camera installations and areas to be monitored are yet to be detailed, officials maintain the policy aligns with legal standards to safeguard public resources and enhance ethical governance.
According to Mangue, this sweeping reform signifies a decisive stance against corruption and misconduct, marking a pivotal move toward transparency and reinforcing public trust in government institutions.
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