Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has appointed Zenón Obiang Obiang Avomo as the new Director General of the National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF), replacing Baltasar Ebang Engonga. Engonga’s dismissal follows his involvement in a shocking sex scandal that has rocked the country.
The leadership change was announced on Thursday by Equatorial Guinea-based media outlet Ahora EG. Another local news source, Real Equatorial Guinea, revealed that Engonga was fired due to “irregularities in his official duties” and for “inappropriate family and social conduct,” as outlined in Decree number 118/2024, dated November 4.
The scandal that led to Engonga’s ousting centers around the discovery of over 400 explicit videos allegedly involving prominent women in the country, including the wives of top officials and even the sister of the President. The tapes were reportedly found during an unscheduled search by ANIF officials investigating financial misconduct linked to Engonga, a well-known economist and former anti-corruption head.
The videos, which were purportedly filmed with the consent of the women involved, were allegedly stored on Engonga’s personal devices and later leaked online, sparking widespread public outrage and controversy. In the wake of the scandal, the government took swift action, suspending several officials implicated in similar misconduct. Authorities have also introduced strict new measures to curb ethical violations, including the installation of surveillance cameras in government offices.
Zenón Obiang Obiang Avomo, who has replaced Engonga, holds a law degree from the National University of Equatorial Guinea (UNGE). His previous roles include Magistrate Judge in Malabo, Director General of Contract Studies and State Markets at the Ministry of Finance, and Secretary General at both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Mines, Industry, and Energy.
The scandal has led to heightened scrutiny of the country’s government officials, with calls for greater transparency and accountability within public offices.
