What appearred to be a sex tape scandal in Equitoria Guinea some months ago could in fact be the latest episode in the real-life drama over who will become Equatorial Guinea’s next president job.
Over the past months, dozens of videos – estimates range from 150 to more than 400 – have been leaked of a senior civil servant having sex in his office and elsewhere with different women.
These videos flooded social media, shocking and titillating people in the small central African country and beyond.
Many of the women filmed were wives and relatives of people close to the centre of power.
It appears some were aware they were being filmed having sex job with Baltasar Ebang Mr Engonga, who is also known as “Bello” because of his good looks.
All this is hard to verify as Equatorial Guinea is a highly restricted society where a free press does not exist.
But one theory according to a news published by BBC is that the leaks were a way to discredit the man at the centre of the storm.
Who is Baltasar Ebang Mr. Engonga?
Baltasar Ebang Mr. Engonga, popularly known as “Bello” for his good looks, is no ordinary figure. A nephew of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, he held a significant position as the head of the National Financial Investigation Agency. His fall from grace began with accusations of embezzling state funds, leading to his arrest and detention in Black Beach Prison, a facility infamous for alleged torture and human rights abuses.
How Did the Videos Spread?
Initially surfacing on Telegram, the videos quickly found their way to platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). They triggered widespread outrage and curiosity, with users sharing them in private groups and public forums. Attempts by the government to curtail their spread only heightened public interest.
Government’s Reaction to the Leak
Vice-President Teodoro Obiang Mangue, the president’s son, directed telecom companies to stop the spread of the clips within 24 hours. He labeled the incident as damaging to families and called for investigations into the origins of the leaks. Despite these efforts, the videos continue to circulate, highlighting the challenges of controlling information in the digital age.
Is This Scandal Politically Motivated?
Many observers believe the leaks are not just a random act but a calculated move to discredit Mr. Engonga, a potential contender in the country’s ongoing power struggle. As the 82-year-old President Obiang’s reign nears its end, internal battles for succession have intensified.
The Succession Question
President Obiang is the world’s longest-serving leader, having been in power since 1979. His son, Vice-President Teodoro Obiang Mangue, is widely regarded as the frontrunner for succession. However, other influential figures, including Gabriel Obiang Lima, the president’s son from another marriage, and Mr. Engonga, are seen as threats to his ambitions for this full-time job.
Palace Intrigue and Political Elimination
Activists and political analysts suggest the scandal could be an orchestrated attempt by the vice-president to remove rivals for this full-time job. By exposing Mr. Engonga’s part-time jobs, the regime might be aiming to tarnish his reputation and neutralize his political influence.
The Role of Black Beach Prison in the Saga
Black Beach Prison, where Mr. Engonga was detained, is notorious for its harsh conditions and alleged human rights violations. Critics argue that his incarceration and the seizure of his devices facilitated the release of the compromising videos. Was this a deliberate move by insiders within the security apparatus to smear his name?
A Lifestyle of Excess
For many citizens, the scandal underscores the opulent and immoral lifestyles of the country’s elite. Extramarital affairs, embezzlement, and lavish displays of wealth are seen as hallmarks of those in power.
Past Scandals in the Obiang Regime
This is not the first time the Obiang family has been embroiled in controversy. Vice-President Teodoro Obiang Mangue has faced international corruption charges, including the seizure of a $275,000 Michael Jackson glove. These incidents highlight a culture of impunity among the ruling class.
Public Outrage and Activist Responses
Activists like Nsang Christia Esimi Cruz have used the scandal to draw attention to broader issues in Equatorial Guinea. Speaking from exile in London, Mr. Cruz criticized the regime’s corruption and suppression of dissent. “This scandal is just a symptom of the illness,” he said, pointing to systemic problems plaguing the nation.
In response to the scandal, the government has proposed installing CCTV cameras in offices and enforcing stricter codes of conduct. However, critics view these measures as superficial, aimed at placating public anger rather than addressing the root causes of corruption and misconduct.
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