5th November 2024
Equatorial Guinea, , has announced plans to install surveillance cameras in all state body offices.
The country’s Vice President, Teddy Nguema, announced the plan as part of the measures in the ongoing effort to ensure strict adherence to public service laws and combat misconduct among officials.
The resolution came after the country’s Director General, National Financial Investigation Agency, NFIA, in Equatorial Guinea, Baltasar Engonga, was arrested for allegedly recording over 400 sex tapes of the wives of notable people in the country.
The scandal emerged in the course of a fraud investigation against the 54-year-old Economist, which resulted in the search of his house and office on impromptu notice by NFIA officials who came across several CDs that later revealed his sexcapades with different married women.
The initiative to install CCTV, as unveiled in his X post on Tuesday, underscored the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behaviour,”
Authorities have made it clear that any violation caught on camera will be met with severe repercussions and sanctions.
“We will not admit any fault that denigrates the integrity of our administration, and those who engage in these practices will face drastic measures,” it stated.
While the government emphasised that this step is crucial for promoting an environment of accountability, it stirred varied responses from public sector employees and human rights advocates.
The timeline for the complete rollout and the exact scope of surveillance have not been detailed.
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However, the government has assured that the initiative aligns with existing legal frameworks aimed at strengthening governance and safeguarding public resources.
The VP noted that the installation of surveillance systems in state offices signals a resolute stand against corruption and misconduct, marking a pivotal step in fostering an atmosphere of transparency and trust within public service.
“The government will soon implement the installation of surveillance cameras in all offices of state bodies. We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behaviour 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 VP, had on Monday announced that the government will immediately suspend any officials involved in sexual relations within ministry offices, as it violates the Code of Conduct and Public Ethics Law.
“The government will take severe measures against these acts since they constitute a flagrant violation of the Code of Conduct and the Public Ethics Law.
