Teddy Nguema, the Vice President of Equatorial Guinea, has announced plans to equip every state agency office with security cameras as part of a broader initiative to combat official misconduct and ensure strict adherence to public service regulations.
This move follows the recent imprisonment of Baltasar Engonga, the Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), who was found to have recorded over 400 explicit videos of the wives of prominent national figures. The scandal came to light after ANIF investigators conducted an unannounced search of Engonga’s home and office during a fraud probe, uncovering multiple CDs that revealed his illicit activities.
In a post on X, Nguema emphasized that the CCTV program reflects 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,” he stated.
Authorities have made it clear that any misconduct captured on camera will be met with severe consequences. “We will not tolerate any behavior that undermines the integrity of our administration, and those who engage in these practices will face drastic measures,” the announcement continued.
While the government has framed this initiative as essential for fostering accountability, reactions from public sector employees and human rights advocates have been mixed. Some view it as a progressive step toward reform, while others express concerns over potential privacy violations. Details regarding the implementation timeline and specific scope of the surveillance remain forthcoming.
According to Nguema, the installation of surveillance devices is a crucial step toward cultivating an environment of openness and trust in public service. “The government will soon implement the installation of surveillance cameras in all offices of state bodies. This action is vital for ensuring compliance with public official regulations and eradicating improper behavior,” he added.
In a separate announcement, Nguema declared that any officials found engaging in sexual conduct within ministry offices would be immediately suspended, underscoring a zero-tolerance policy towards actions that compromise the integrity of public service. “Today, we will proceed with the immediate suspension of all officials who have had sexual relations in the offices of the country’s ministries,” he stated.
“This decisive action reaffirms our commitment to maintaining high ethical standards in governance. Responsibility and professionalism must be the pillars of our work as servants of the state,” Nguema concluded.