MALABO — Baltasar Engonga, once a powerful figure in Equatorial Guinea’s government, is now at the centre of one of the country’s most explosive corruption trials in recent history.
The 54-year-old former top official appeared in a Malabo courtroom on Monday, 30 June, accused of embezzling state funds, abusing public office, and enriching himself unlawfully during his five-year tenure as head of the Directorate General of Insurance and Reinsurance.
But it’s not just the corruption allegations that have gripped the nation. Investigators say they discovered over 400 sex tapes during a search of his home and office footage that allegedly features wives of senior officials, including relatives of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, ministers’ spouses, and even members of the police force.
The videos, reportedly stored on compact discs, surfaced as part of the ongoing corruption probe. Sources close to the investigation told local media the recordings were consensual, but the leaks online have caused national uproar, shaking elite circles and deepening public scrutiny of the trial.
Engonga has been held at Black Beach Prison a facility notorious for harsh conditions since September 2024.
A “Slick Scheme” to Steal Public Funds
In court, prosecutors painted a damning picture. They accuse Engonga of orchestrating what they called a “slick and deliberate scheme” to siphon millions of public money into private accounts between 2015 and 2020.
He now faces a possible 18-year jail sentence if found guilty. The state is seeking:
- 8 years for embezzlement,
- 4 years and 5 months for illegal self-enrichment, and
- 6 years and 1 day for abuse of office.
On top of the jail time, prosecutors are pushing for a fine of 910 million CFA francs roughly $1.5 million (KSh 193.6 million) and a lifetime ban from holding public office.
A Web of Co-Accused
Engonga is not alone in the dock. Six other former senior officials are also on trial. Among them are Carmelo Julio Matogo Ndong, Ireneo Mangue Monsuy Afana, and Florentina Iganga Iñandji. All face charges linked to what prosecutors describe as a “deep-rooted culture of mismanagement and greed” within government departments.
The defence team is expected to make their submissions later this week.
A Nation Watching
Though the case is being heard behind closed doors, it’s made front-page news across Equatorial Guinea and beyond. For many, it reflects a broader frustration with corruption in a country rich in oil wealth but still struggling with poverty and poor public services.
Human rights groups have also raised concerns about the fairness of the proceedings. While prosecutors say they are cracking down on impunity, critics question whether the justice system in Equatorial Guinea has the independence to hold the powerful to account without political interference.
One observer, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal, said: “This trial may be about Engonga, but it’s also a mirror to the nation. People want answers and accountability.”
