The Vice President of Equatorial Guinea, Teddy Nguema, has announced a significant initiative to install surveillance cameras in all state offices as part of a broader strategy to enforce public service laws and address misconduct among officials.
This decision follows a scandal involving Baltasar Engonga, the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency, who was arrested for allegedly recording over 400 explicit videos featuring the wives of prominent individuals in the country.
The controversy erupted during a fraud investigation that led authorities to search Engonga's residence and office, where they discovered numerous CDs containing the illicit recordings. The situation has sparked outrage and raised questions about ethics within the government.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Nguema emphasized that the installation of CCTV systems underscores the administration'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.
The new surveillance policy aims to deter actions that could erode public trust and maintain ethical standards among public servants.
Authorities have warned that any misconduct captured on camera will result in severe consequences. "We will not tolerate any actions that undermine the integrity of our administration," Nguema added, highlighting a zero-tolerance approach towards such behaviour.
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from public sector employees and human rights advocates. While some view the initiative as a necessary reform, others express concerns about potential privacy violations.
In addition to the surveillance measures, Nguema declared that any officials found engaging in sexual relationships within ministry offices will face immediate suspension, reinforcing a strict adherence to the Code of Conduct and Public Ethics Law.
