This decision follows the circulation of a video on social media that allegedly shows him engaging in sexual activities with multiple women. The government had previously suspended Engonga due to the leaked footage, which claims he has been involved with over 400 women, some of whom are partners of influential individuals in Equatorial Guinea.
Reports indicate that President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo ordered Engonga's dismissal; he is the son of Baltasar Engonga Edjo, who currently serves as the president of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC).
Local news sources report that Engonga's termination was formalized through a decree signed by President Mbasogo, who is also his great uncle.
In response to the scandal, Vice President Teodoro Mangue has vowed to implement "severe measures" against officials involved in sexual misconduct within government offices, following the emergence of the viral "sex tapes" that reportedly include a high-ranking civil servant and the spouses of several prominent figures.
"We will proceed with the immediate suspension of all officials engaging in sexual relations within the ministries of the country," the Vice President stated on his X page on Monday. He further emphasized that the government would take strict action against such behavior, as it violates the code of conduct and public ethics laws.
The viral "sex tapes" surfaced on social media after the reported arrest of Baltasar Engonga on unrelated corruption charges, prompting Mangue to instruct regulators and internet service providers to block the dissemination of the videos.
The country’s attorney general has stated that the recordings are consensual; however, Engonga could face prosecution for "public health crimes" if he is found to have a sexually transmitted infection.
First Lady Constancia Mangue Obiang expressed her outrage over the incident, labeling it as “embarrassing.”
She conveyed her disappointment during a meeting with Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue, who is responsible for administrative coordination.
"The situation involves a social scandal that has already crossed our borders and is impacting the image and reputation of Guineo-Ecuadorian women," stated First Lady Obiang in a post on Facebook.
Baltasar Ebang Engonga is a senior Equatorial Guinean government official and politician. The 54-year-old has six children with his wife.Mr. Engonga is the son of Baltasar Engonga Edjoo, the president of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC).
He previously served as the head of Equatorial Guinea's anti-corruption National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF).
Baltasar Engonga began his career in 1998 when he was appointed as the Minister of Education.