Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President, Teddy Nguema, announced plans to install surveillance cameras in all government offices.
This policy is part of an ongoing effort to promote transparency and reinforce adherence to public service laws.
The announcement comes on the heels of a shocking scandal involving Baltasar Engonga, the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF).
Engonga, who is also a prominent economist, was arrested after an investigation revealed he had secretly recorded over 400 sex tapes involving the wives of high-profile individuals in the country.
These tapes were discovered during a search of his office and home as part of a broader investigation into financial fraud.
The scandal has sparked outrage, and the government is responding with sweeping measures aimed at cleaning up the public sector.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Nguema explained that the installation of surveillance cameras is a direct response to incidents like the Engonga case and other forms of misconduct that tarnish the integrity of the administration.
“We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behaviour,” the Vice President’s statement said.
“We will not admit any fault that denigrates the integrity of our administration, and those who engage in these practices will face drastic measures.”
The proposed CCTV system is expected to deter unethical conduct by public servants, particularly in government offices.
The government has made it clear that any violations caught on camera will be dealt with severely, with officials facing immediate suspension or worse.
The surveillance initiative is part of a broader government campaign to ensure accountability in the public sector.
Earlier this week, Nguema also declared that any official found engaging in sexual relations within government offices would be immediately suspended.
This measure is being framed as a necessary response to a perceived erosion of ethical standards and professionalism among public servants.
“Today, we will proceed with the immediate suspension of all officials who have had sexual relations in the offices of the country’s ministries,” Nguema declared.
“This constitutes a flagrant violation of the Code of Conduct and the Public Ethics Law. Ethics and respect are fundamental in our administration, and we will not allow irresponsible behavior to compromise public trust.”
While the government has framed these actions as necessary steps to uphold the integrity of the administration, the proposed measures have sparked a range of reactions.
Some government officials and members of the public support the push for greater accountability, viewing it as a much-needed reform in the face of long-standing corruption and misconduct. Others, however, have raised concerns about potential privacy violations and the overreach of surveillance.
The full scope of the surveillance initiative, including the timeline for installation and the specific details of its implementation, has yet to be clarified.
However, government officials have emphasised that the cameras will align with existing legal frameworks aimed at strengthening governance and safeguarding public resources.
In his statement, Nguema expressed that the move was a critical step in reinforcing the government’s commitment to public trust and ethical governance.
“The government will soon implement the installation of surveillance cameras in all offices of state bodies. This is a resolute stand against corruption and misconduct, marking a pivotal step in fostering an atmosphere of transparency and trust within public service.”
Equatorial Guinea’s government is hoping that these drastic measures will restore public faith in the country’s institutions and create a more responsible, professional culture among civil servants.
However, as the debate over privacy and accountability unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the public will fully embrace the government’s tough stance.
As the investigation into Engonga continues and more details about the surveillance plan emerge, the eyes of the nation and the world will be closely watching the administration’s next steps.
