By Our Reporter
Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President, Teddy Nguema, announced on Tuesday that the government plans to install surveillance cameras in all state offices as part of a broader initiative to enforce public service regulations and combat misconduct among officials.
This decision comes in the wake of a high-profile investigation into alleged fraud, during which over 300 explicit videos involving a prominent official, Baltasar, were discovered. The footage, which includes encounters with multiple women—some of whom are married—has since circulated online. Among those featured in the videos are high-profile individuals, including the wife of Baltasar’s brother, his cousin, and the sister of the country’s president.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Nguema emphasized that the new surveillance policy reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. “We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law for public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behavior,” he said.
The initiative aims to safeguard public trust and uphold ethical standards in government, with officials warned that any infractions captured on camera will result in severe consequences. “We will not tolerate actions that undermine the integrity of our administration, and those who engage in these practices will face strict penalties,” Nguema stated.
While the government asserts that the surveillance measures are essential for promoting accountability, the policy has sparked mixed reactions. Some public sector employees support the move as a positive step toward reform, while others express concerns about potential privacy violations. Specific details about the timeline for the camera installations and the full scope of the surveillance remain unclear, but Nguema assured that the initiative will comply with existing legal frameworks aimed at improving governance.
The government’s broader effort to address misconduct also includes stricter enforcement of ethical standards. On Monday, Nguema declared that any officials caught engaging in sexual activities within ministry offices would face immediate suspension, as such behavior breaches the country’s Code of Conduct and Public Ethics Law. He reiterated that this zero-tolerance policy is a decisive move to protect the integrity of public service.
“Ethics and respect are fundamental in our administration,” Nguema stressed. “We will not allow irresponsible behavior to compromise public trust. Professionalism and responsibility must be the foundation of our work as servants of the state.”