Equatorial Guinea Govt restricts WhatsApp amid Baltasar Engonga’s sex-tape scandal

The Government of Equatorial Guinea has implemented restrictions on WhatsApp, barring citizens from sharing, downloading multimedia files via mobile data.

TopNaija News understands that this action followed a scandal involving a top government official, Baltasar Engonga, who is embroiled in a controversy involving over 400 explicit videos with president’s sister and spouses of prominent individuals.

The scandal surfaced during a fraud investigation targeting the 54-year-old economist, which led to an unannounced search of his residence and office by ANIF officials. During this search, they discovered multiple CDs that unveiled his illicit encounters with various married women.

Reports indicate that over 400 videos include interactions with notable figures, such as his brother’s wife, his cousin, the sister of the President of Equatorial Guinea, the wife of the Director General of Police, and approximately 20 wives of ministers in the country.

The footage, found in his office, was reportedly recorded with consent and has since been leaked online, sparking significant media attention.

In a recent update, a local news outlet, Ahora EG, highlighted that citizens have expressed frustration over their inability to share photos, videos, and audio files while using mobile data, prompting many to rely solely on WiFi networks.

The platform quoted a source as saying, “Should an entire country pay for the actions of a few? The likely decision to restrict access to essential communication functions seems disproportionate and punitive, affecting thousands of users of these platforms who, in addition to serving them for entertainment, also use them for their work and/or educational activities.

“In a world where digitalisation is becoming more and more important, should we shut down our platforms and paralyse our activities due to the actions of a few? Currently, users are forced to rely exclusively on WiFi connections, which not only limits their ability to communicate but also interferes with their daily activities.

“This situation has generated a heated debate among the population, where many believe that the measure seems to be more focused on controlling than facilitating communication.”

Another also said: “Is it really fair that everyone should suffer the consequences of the actions of a few? The authorities have not yet provided any explanation for the reasons behind this restriction, as well as the duration of the same. At a time when information and communication are more vital than ever, the lack of transparency only aggravates citizens’ concerns.”

Naija News reported earlier that the country’s Vice President, Teddy Nguema, announced plans to install surveillance cameras in all state body offices.

This sweeping measure is part of an ongoing effort to ensure strict adherence to public service laws and combat misconduct among officials.