MALABO, Equatorial Guinea – Equatorial Guinea’s government has launched a crackdown on inappropriate conduct within government offices after explicit videos leaked online, reportedly showing a senior finance ministry official engaging in sexual acts with multiple women, including in his office.
The scandal, which erupted last week, has prompted swift action from authorities.
Vice President Nguema Obiang Mangue has instituted new security measures to prevent future incidents.
Jerome Leroy | AFP/Getty Images
The leaked videos, which circulated widely on social media, have drawn condemnation from the government, which stated that the content tarnished the Central African nation’s reputation.
“The executive is taking this decision following the videos of a sexual nature that have gone viral on social media in recent days, and that denigrate the country’s image,” said the state information agency in a statement on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Local media reports indicated that during a recent raid related to a corruption investigation, authorities discovered hundreds of amateur videos at the official’s residence.
Some of the women involved were said to be spouses of other high-ranking government officials, heightening the scandal’s sensitivity.
The Trent, however, could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage.
Vice President Mangue’s response included implementing tighter security protocols, such as installing surveillance cameras across all government offices and enhancing security personnel oversight.
The measures were reportedly agreed upon during emergency meetings with officials from the Supreme Court, the attorney general’s office, and other high-level government bodies.
According to the government’s statement, those involved in the videos will face suspension, while security staff who failed to prevent these breaches will be reprimanded.
Equatorial Guinea, home to 1.7 million people, has been ruled by President Teodoro Obiang for 45 years, making him the world’s longest-serving president. This scandal is the latest challenge to the administration’s efforts to maintain public trust amidst a climate of stringent government control.
