Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President, Teddy Nguema, recently announced a plan to install surveillance cameras in all state offices as part of a strict initiative to enforce public service laws and combat official misconduct.
The new measure, shared in a social media post on Tuesday, reflects the administration’s commitment to promoting transparency and accountability within public service.
“We have taken this measure to ensure compliance with the law on public officials and to eradicate improper and illicit behaviour,” the Vice President stated.
Authorities emphasised that any violations caught on camera would lead to “severe repercussions,” reinforcing a zero-tolerance stance against actions that compromise the integrity of the government.
The move follows the recent arrest of Baltasar Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency, who was implicated in a scandal involving over 400 illicit recordings.
During a surprise search of his home and office, investigators reportedly discovered CDs revealing Engonga’s secret recordings with the wives of prominent individuals.
The discovery emerged in the course of a fraud investigation against the 54-year-old economist, bringing to light his alleged misuse of authority and public trust.
In a decisive response, Nguema also declared on Monday that government officials involved in personal misconduct, particularly those engaging in sexual relations within ministry offices, would face immediate suspension.
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“Today, we will proceed with the immediate suspension of all officials who have had sexual relations in the offices of the country’s ministries,” he announced, underscoring that such actions violate both the Code of Conduct and the Public Ethics Law.
“This action is a decisive step in our policy of zero tolerance towards behaviours that undermine the integrity of the public service,” he said. “Responsibility and professionalism must be the pillars of our work as servants of the state.”
While the government asserts that surveillance will foster an environment of transparency, the move has drawn mixed reactions.
Some public sector employees view it as a positive step toward reform, while human rights advocates have raised concerns about potential privacy implications.
However, the administration assures that the initiative complies with existing legal frameworks to strengthen governance and protect public resources.
As Nguema stated, “The government will not allow irresponsible behaviour to compromise public trust. Ethics and respect are fundamental in our administration.”
He said, “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.”
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