In an effort to control the spread of sensitive content, the government has directed telecommunication companies to block multimedia downloads. They are also to restrict access to certain types of content. This comes after several sex tapes went viral on social media, leading to public outrage.
The sex tapes primarily feature Baltasar Ebang Engonga, a senior civil servant and director of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF). In them, he engages in sexual acts with multiple partners, including the wives of prominent officials. The videos were widely shared across platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, sparking national controversy.
The government’s decision to impose these restrictions has caused a significant disruption in internet traffic. The government believes that blocking the sharing of such videos will help protect families and prevent further damage to its public image.
Vice President’s strong response
The country’s Vice President, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, who oversees defense and security, announced the ban. He used his X (formerly Twitter) to disclose the new measures. Mangue emphasized the government’s commitment to curbing the spread of the videos and protecting the nation’s public morality.
“Civil servants caught in such acts will face immediate suspension,” said Obiang Mangue. “We cannot allow the destruction of families and the reputation of the government.”
Obiang Mangue’s comments followed reports that more than 400 explicit videos were made in the office of Baltasar Ebang Engonga. This revelation shocked many, particularly because the videos featured well-known political figures in compromising situations.
Sex tapes shock the nation
The controversy surrounding the leaked sex tapes has captured the attention of both the local and international community. Ebang Engonga, nicknamed “Bello” for his good looks, is married with children. He is also the son of a prominent political figure, Baltasar Engonga Edjo, the chairman of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community.
The tapes were leaked while Engonga was being held in custody for embezzlement charges. His family connections and the involvement of prominent figures have only fueled the scandal. In addition to the explicit content, rumours circulate that the tapes might involve other prominent individuals. That has further increased the tension surrounding the case.
Equatorial Guinea’s chief prosecutor, Anatolio Nzang Nguema, has stated that if medical tests reveal Engonga is infected with a sexually transmitted disease, he could face additional charges related to public health.
Widespread internet disruption
In response to the ongoing scandal, the government has severely restricted internet traffic. Social media platforms are flooded with speculation about potential new videos. Many worry about further leaks in the coming days. These measures have disrupted daily internet usage, especially among users who can no longer freely share multimedia files.
The government’s move to ban social media platforms is seen as an attempt to regain control over the flow of information. But the government says it is particularly trying to protect the reputation of the country’s leadership. However, critics argue that such drastic actions could have long-term consequences for freedom of expression and internet usage in Equatorial Guinea.
While the government has expressed concern for its public image, the larger issue of corruption and the role of high-ranking officials in scandals like this remain unresolved. As the nation faces the fallout from the scandal, the future of social media regulation in Equatorial Guinea remains uncertain.
Global concerns
The ban appears one of many measures the government takes in its ongoing effort to suppress the spread of sensitive content. International human rights organizations have raised concerns about the government’s heavy-handed approach to internet censorship. Many view the ban as an infringement on freedom of speech and an attempt to control public discourse.
Observers believe the crackdown could signal a wider trend of tightening control over digital spaces in the country. As social media continues to play a critical role in activism and political discourse, the long-term effects of these restrictions remain to be seen.
Leave feedback about this