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Malabo – Former Equatorial Guinea financial chief Baltasar Engonga stands trial for corruption charges that could send him to prison for 18 years. The case has shocked the nation with revelations of embezzlement and a sex tape scandal involving government officials’ wives.
Background & Context
Baltasar Engonga served as Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency until his arrest in September 2024. The 54-year-old economist previously led the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance from 2015 to 2020.
Authorities arrested him after discovering suspicious financial transactions linked to public funds. Engonga has remained in Black Beach Prison since September as prosecutors built their case against him and other senior officials.
Key Details & Impact
Prosecutors demand Baltasar Engonga serve three separate sentences: eight years for embezzlement, four years and five months for unlawful enrichment, and six years for abuse of power.
“The prosecutors laid bare what they described as a sophisticated scheme to divert public funds for personal gain,” reported local outlet Le Bled Parle.
Courts could force Engonga to pay 910 million CFA francs ($1.5 million) in fines and ban him from holding public office. Three other senior officials face trial alongside him: Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong, Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, and Florentina Iganga Iñandji.
Reactions & Perspectives
The corruption trial has divided public opinion in Equatorial Guinea. Government officials say the prosecution shows their commitment to fighting corruption at all levels.
Opposition leaders argue the case reveals systemic problems within the ruling administration. Citizens express anger about public money being stolen while many struggle with basic services.
Public & Expert Response
Street conversations in Malabo focus on trial details. Citizens demand transparency about how the corruption network operated and whether other officials remain involved.
International anti-corruption experts watch the proceedings. They note that successful prosecution of high-level officials could signal change in Central African governance patterns.
Sex Tape Scandal Rocks Elite
Investigators found over 400 sex tapes in Engonga’s home and office. The recordings show encounters with wives of high-ranking officials and prominent figures.
The videos include his brother’s wife, his cousin, the President’s sister, the Police Director General’s wife, and wives of nearly 20 government ministers. Sources confirm the encounters were consensual, but the recordings have leaked online.
“These revelations have sparked a scandal that has further shaken public trust in the country’s leadership,” a Malabo court source confirmed.
Broader Implications
The Baltasar Engonga case exposes weaknesses in Equatorial Guinea’s institutions that allowed extensive corruption to operate unchecked. The trial’s outcome could influence foreign investment decisions and diplomatic relationships.
International partners are monitoring the case as global attention focuses on governance standards in resource-rich African nations. Citizens increasingly demand that officials maintain high standards both professionally and personally.
The three-day trial continues this week as defense lawyers present their arguments. The verdict will determine whether corruption charges against senior officials result in prison sentences and financial penalties or become another example of elite impunity
By Abdullah Korede.
