The government of Equatorial Guinea has imposed restrictions on its citizens regarding the downloading and sharing of multimedia files via mobile data on WhatsApp.
This action follows new guidelines issued to telecommunications operators, urging them to implement measures to limit access to inappropriate content.
The controversy stems from a sex scandal involving Baltasar Engonga, the country’s Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF). The scandal surfaced during a fraud investigation against Engonga, leading to an unannounced search of his home and office by ANIF officials, who discovered numerous CDs documenting his sexual encounters with various married women.
Reports indicate that the over 400 videos include footage involving high-profile individuals, 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 the spouses of around 20 ministers. The videos, which were recorded with consent, have leaked online, sparking a media frenzy.
In a recent update, local news outlet Ahora EG reported that citizens are expressing frustration over their inability to share photos, videos, and audio while using mobile data, forcing them to rely solely on WiFi networks for such communications.
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A source quoted by the platform raised concerns, stating, “Should an entire country pay for the actions of a few? The decision to restrict access to essential communication functions seems disproportionate and punitive, affecting thousands who use these platforms for both entertainment and work or educational purposes.”
As digitalization becomes increasingly crucial, the source questioned whether it is fair to curtail communication capabilities due to the actions of a few individuals. Users are currently left to depend exclusively on WiFi, which limits their communication and disrupts daily activities.
The situation has ignited a heated debate among the populace, with many believing the measure leans more towards controlling than facilitating communication. Another individual voiced concern, asking, “Is it really fair that everyone should suffer the consequences of the actions of a few?” The authorities have yet to provide explanations regarding the rationale or duration of the restrictions, further heightening citizens’ unease.
Earlier, Vice President Teddy Nguema announced plans to install surveillance cameras in all state body offices as part of a broader effort to ensure strict compliance with public service laws and combat misconduct among officials.
The CCTV initiative, unveiled in an X post on Tuesday, according to him, 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,” it read.
The surveillance policy is designed to deter actions that could undermine public trust and ethical standards among public servants.
Authorities have warned that any violations captured on camera will result in severe consequences, stating, “We will not tolerate any behaviour that tarnishes the integrity of our administration.”
While the government views this initiative as crucial for promoting accountability, it has elicited mixed reactions from public sector employees and human rights advocates. Some officials support it as a positive reform, while others express concerns about potential privacy issues.
Details regarding the timeline for full implementation and the scope of the surveillance remain unclear, but the government assures that the initiative complies with existing legal frameworks aimed at enhancing governance and protecting public resources.
The Vice President highlighted that installing surveillance in state offices represents a strong stance against corruption and misconduct, marking an important step toward fostering transparency and trust within the public service.