Equatorial Guinea Restricts WhatsApp After Official Slept With Over 400 Woman
The government of Equatorial Guinea has ordered a clampdown on WhatsApp usage, restricting the sharing of multimedia files via mobile data across the country, Local news platform Ahora EG reports.
This decision follows the explosive revelation of sex tapes allegedly involving Baltasar Engonga, the country’s Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency.
The tapes, reportedly over 400 in number, were discovered by investigators amid a fraud probe into Engonga’s activities. Shockingly, the videos allegedly feature encounters with various high-profile women in Equatorial Guinea, including wives of ministers, officials, and even the sister of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
The discovery of these tapes during an unannounced raid on Engonga’s home and office has rocked the country and set the government on edge.
In a bid to control the spread of these sensitive materials, authorities directed telecom operators to restrict citizens from sharing videos, images, and audio messages on WhatsApp using mobile data.
Citizens, now forced to rely on WiFi for such content sharing, have voiced outrage over the broad restriction. Many feel this measure is punishing the entire population for the indiscretions of a few in the government.
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Local news platform Ahora EG reported citizens questioning the government’s approach. “Should an entire country pay for the actions of a few?” a resident asked, echoing the frustration and anger sweeping across the nation. “In a world where digital communication is essential for work and education, why should we be paralyzed because of the misconduct of government officials?”
Adding to the public’s frustration, no explanation has been given on how long the restrictions will last or if they will be lifted soon. For many, this lack of transparency only deepens suspicion that the restrictions aim to censor communication, rather than address the scandal at hand.
The Vice President of Equatorial Guinea, Teddy Nguema, has also announced plans to install surveillance cameras in all state body offices, supposedly to curb misconduct among officials. Yet, many are skeptical, seeing these moves as attempts by the government to tighten control rather than foster accountability.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
