By Abigail Philip David
Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President, Teddy Nguema, has announced plans to install surveillance cameras in all state offices as part of a broader effort to enforce public service laws and prevent misconduct among officials.
The decision follows the recent arrest of Baltasar Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency. Engonga allegedly recorded over 400 sex tapes involving the wives of prominent figures in Equatorial Guinea. During a fraud investigation, authorities reportedly discovered CDs in Engonga’s home and office, exposing his activities with various married women.
Announced in a social media post on Tuesday, the CCTV initiative highlights the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. “We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behavior,” the statement read. Violations captured on camera will lead to strict consequences.
The policy aims to deter actions that could damage public trust and tarnish the ethical standards expected of state officials. While some employees see this move as a positive step towards reform, others have voiced privacy concerns. The timeline and specific scope of the surveillance program have yet to be clarified, but the government assured that it aligns with legal frameworks to strengthen governance and protect public resources.
In a separate announcement, the Vice President stated that any official found engaging in sexual relations within government offices would be suspended immediately, citing a violation of the Public Ethics Law. “This action reinforces our zero-tolerance policy for behavior that undermines public service integrity,” he said, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and professionalism in government roles.
This crackdown reflects a firm stance against corruption and misconduct, signaling a commitment to upholding transparency and trust within public service in Equatorial Guinea.
