Teddy Nguema, the Vice President of Equatorial Guinea, has announced plans to put surveillance cameras in all governmental offices following Baltazar Engonga’s escapades went viral.
This sweeping step is part of a larger attempt to guarantee rigorous adherence to public service laws and punish officials’ wrongdoing.
Chronicle NG reports that Baltazar Engonga, the Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, had been arrested for reportedly capturing over 400 sex videos of the wives of prominent figures in the country.
The issue arose after a fraud probing of Baltazar, which culminated in ANIF officers conducting an unexpected search of his home and workplace, where they discovered multiple CDs revealing Baltazar’s sex escapes with several married ladies.
According to him, the CCTV project, which was announced in an X post on Tuesday, demonstrates the administration’s dedication to transparency and accountability.
“We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behaviour,” it read.
The new surveillance strategy is intended to deter conduct that could jeopardise public trust and the ethical standards expected of public personnel.
Authorities have made it plain that any infringement recorded on camera will result in serious consequences.
“We will not admit any fault that denigrates the integrity of our administration, and those who engage in these practices will face drastic measures,” it continued.
While the administration stressed the importance of this step in establishing an accountable workplace, public sector personnel and human rights advocates have had mixed reactions to the policy.
Some authorities see it as a welcome step towards reform, while others are concerned about possible privacy ramifications.
The timetable for the full implementation and the precise scope of surveillance have yet to be determined. However, the administration has emphasised that the program is consistent with current legal frameworks aimed at improving governance and protecting public resources.
The VP stated that the installation of monitoring equipment in state offices represents a firm stance against corruption and wrongdoing and is a critical step towards establishing an atmosphere of transparency and confidence within public service.
“The government will soon implement the installation of surveillance cameras in all offices of state bodies. We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behaviour.
“We will not admit any fault that denigrates the integrity of our administration, and those who engage in these practices will face drastic measures,” the post translated from Spanish by Google Translate read.
Earlier, on Monday, the Vice President announced that any officials involved in sexual interactions within ministry offices will be immediately suspended for violating the Code of Conduct and Public Ethics Law.
This strong action, he stated, reinforces a zero-tolerance approach against behaviour that compromises public sector integrity.
“Today we will proceed with the immediate suspension of all officials who have had sexual relations in the offices of the country’s ministries.
“The government will take severe measures against these acts since they constitute a flagrant violation of the Code of Conduct and the Public Ethics Law.
“This action is a decisive step in our policy of zero tolerance towards behaviours that undermine the integrity of the public service.
“Ethics and respect are fundamental in our administration, and we will not allow irresponsible behaviour to compromise public trust.
“Responsibility and professionalism must be the pillars of our work as servants of the state.”
